A series of information days on the proposed improvements to the A5 route between Derry and the border at Aughnacloy will be held by Roads Service.

The upgrading of the A5 to dual carriageway status is the largest project ever to be undertaken in the north. This latest announcement follows last summer's confirmation by Roads Minister, Conor Murphy, of a £400m contribution from the Irish Government to road improvements on the A5 and the A8 between Belfast and Larne.

Mr Murphy said: "Roads Service is committed to improving the physical infrastructure within Northern Ireland. The A5 upgrading project will improve journey times and road safety for motorists and will also generate much wider social and economic benefits for the North West."

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The public exhibitions, which are open from noon until 8pm, will be held on; Monday, April 28 at Smyth Memorial Hall, Church Street, Ballygawley; Tuesday, April 29 at Silverbirch Hotel, Gortin Road, Omagh; Thursday, May 8 at Alley Theatre, Tourist Information Centre, Strabane; Friday, May 9 at the Everglades Hotel, Derry

Divisional Roads Manager, Pat Doherty, said: "The scheme development is at a very early stage and we are keen to explain the objectives of the scheme, raise awareness of the project and to obtain public opinion. It is also very important that, at this stage, we capture from the public any information that may influence the scheme design. We would therefore encourage as many people as possible to attend the public information days."

Roads Service has formally appointed consultants Mouchel as their advisor on the A5 project.

Andy Campbell, Mouchel Project Director, said: "The A5 Western Transport Corridor is the largest road project ever to be undertaken here and we are delighted to be working for Roads Service on this exciting scheme. Building relationships with local communities is at the heart of Mouchel's values, and we are looking forward to meeting the residents along this corridor."

(VB/JM)