County Tyrone-based Fox Building & Engineering Ltd has been awarded the construction contract for the €31.5 million N59 Derradda to Newport Road project by Mayo County Council.

The project, to the north of Newport town, west Mayo, is expected to commence this month with a 32-month construction period.

This strategically important N59 road scheme is 5.1 km in length and comprises of both on-line road widening and off-line road construction, with funding being provided by Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

Discussing the project, Chief Executive of Mayo County Council, Kevin Kelly, said: "The N59 is a vital artery for Mayo and this upgrade will deliver safer and more efficient journeys for all road users.

"This new scheme will not only address long term safety concerns and improve traffic flow, but it will also lay the groundwork for sustainable economic growth and improved quality of life for the region.

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"I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this development will have on the county for generations to come."

Enhancements to sections of the existing Great Western Greenway have been incorporated in this scheme with the construction of approximately 1km of off-road cycleway/walkway as well as a signature Greenway bridge structure over the N59 carriageway realignment (Kiltarnaght Greenway Overbridge).

Once completed, the N59 Derradda to Newport Road Project is expected to have several key benefits, including:

• Improving the reliability and climate resilience of the N59 road with new pavement construction, construction and configuration of culvert crossings, improvement of road drainage and other landscaping, environmental and mitigation works.

• Contributing to increased adoption of sustainable transport modes such as active travel.

• Improvements to the Great Western Greenway as part of this scheme will encourage a mode shift to active modes in the area for both local road users and visitors. In addition, improved infrastructure for active travel along sections of the N59 will make active travel a more attractive mode and will generate positive safety, health, recreation and journey quality benefits for both existing and new users.

• Improving accessibility to remote areas and promoting social inclusion.

• Reducing the number of collisions, thus improving safety for both motorists and active mode users. This will be achieved through the provision of an improved cross section and the removal of an at-grade crossing point between the Great Western Greenway and the N59. The at-grade crossing point is currently a conflict point between road and active mode users.