The Department for Infrastructure has approved the Outline Business Case for the A29 Cookstown Bypass, a proposed 4km of new carriageway intended to divert through traffic away from the town centre. The approval was granted on 13 October 2026, with an estimated cost of £100.1 million, of which £43 million has been secured through the Mid South West Growth Deal.

The scheme would run from Loughry roundabout on the A29 Dungannon Road south of Cookstown to a new roundabout on the A29 Moneymore Road, including an upgrade to the Sandholes Link Road. No construction start or completion dates have been announced, and the Department has not confirmed how the remaining funding will be provided.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins stated that the bypass is a much-needed scheme that will help relieve traffic congestion in Cookstown town centre, reduce journey times along the A29 link corridor, improve road safety, and enhance the town centre environment. She added that the decongestion benefits would provide significant opportunities for the enhancement and reshaping of Cookstown town centre to promote sustainable travel choices. The project is part of the Mid South West Growth Deal and is expected to bring economic and community benefits to the County Tyrone town.

Mid Ulster MP Cathal Mallaghan welcomed the development, saying it would help ease traffic congestion, reduce journey times, improve road safety, and present significant opportunities to reshape and revitalise the town centre, supporting local businesses, strengthening the local economy, and improving quality of life for residents. He also noted the encouragement of more sustainable travel options.

Ulster Unionist MLA candidate for Mid Ulster Ian Irwin welcomed the approval but said local people and businesses will want to see a clear timetable for delivery. He noted that traffic congestion has a real impact on daily life in Cookstown, with residents facing delays, businesses feeling the effects of traffic moving through the town centre, and commuters and hauliers losing valuable time.

Separately, a £400,000 footway improvement scheme on the A29 Ring Road in Coleraine commenced on 20 October 2026. The project will deliver 500 metres of new footway from Lodge Road Roundabout to the southern side of Mountsandel Bridge. Temporary traffic management is in place for approximately six weeks, with overnight closures in the Limavady-bound direction only, Monday to Saturday from 8pm to 6am. A signed diversion runs via Lodge Road, Nursery Avenue, Terrace Row, Bannfield Road, Hanover Place, A2 Bann Bridge, and Strand Road. The Lodge Road Roundabout will be reduced to one lane during closures, potentially causing local delays. All dates are dependent on weather conditions and may change.