Stormont Ministers are expected to approve the long awaited A5 road project later today, the BBC has learnt.
An official announcement from the Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd is expected after an executive meeting this afternoon.
It is understood he will confirm that work on the project will start and will be completed on a phased basis.
But it is not clear if the plan will include a full dual carriageway from Londonderry to the border at Aughnacloy.
The 58 mile (93km) road project was first announced in 2007 but has been beset by funding and legal challenges.
Last week, O’Dowd confirmed that the preparatory work had been completed and he was just awaiting executive approval before publishing the plan.
He said his recommendation to approve the project was based on improving road safety for all those who travel along the route.
Campaigners have been lobbying for the new road for some time and have pointed to the fact that 54 lives have been lost on the A5 since 2007.
Source Agencies
