DAVID Cameron and George Osborne will today highlight how the UK Government's multi-billion infrastructure programme is at the heart of its economic recovery plan.

The scheme will this year alone involve more than 200 projects, £36bn of investment and potentially 150,000 construction jobs.

The Prime Minister said that ensuring Britain has 'first class infrastructure' remains a crucial part of the government's long-term economic plan. He added that it would create jobs and provide a better future for hardworking people.

Mr Cameron, due to speak at a transport project in the Midlands said: "This Government is backing business with better infrastructure so that more jobs and opportunities are created for hardworking people, meaning more financial security and peace of mind for families," he added. The projects due to start construction in 2014/15 cover rail, road, local transport, flood defences, broadband, airport infrastructure and waste management.

These include: the Mersey Gateway Bridge; Sheffield Lower Don Valley and Exeter flood defence schemes as well as the A1 motorway upgrade, which will reduce journey times by 20%.

Around another 200 schemes are also due to be completed this year, including major roads such as improvements to the M6, the Nottingham tram extension, the Heathrow Terminal 2 upgrade and the Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm, which is currently the largest in construction anywhere in Europe. The projects due to start construction this year are part of £36bn of planned investment made up of £5bn of public investment, £21bn of private investment and £10bn in joint public and private investment.

The infrastructure programme also includes the start of a £38bn programme of rail spending over the next five years. In addition, there is expected to be further investment of up to £15bn in North Sea oil and gas this year.

"As part of our long-term economic plan we are investing in infrastructure around the country to create a more balanced, resilient economy," said the Chancellor.