£100.1m Cookstown bypass moves forward following business case approval

Plans for a new bypass around Cookstown have reached a significant milestone after the Department for Infrastructure approved the scheme’s Outline Business Case.

The proposed A29 Cookstown Bypass has an approved cost estimate of £100.1 million and would create approximately four kilometres of new carriageway.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins welcomed the development in an announcement on Tuesday 27 October 2026.

Proposed Cookstown bypass route

The proposed bypass would extend from the Loughry roundabout on the A29 Dungannon Road, south of Cookstown, to a new roundabout on the A29 Moneymore Road.

The scheme also includes an upgrade to Sandholes Link Road.

The Department says the new route is intended to reduce congestion in Cookstown town centre, improve journey times and support road safety.

Reducing through-traffic could also create opportunities to improve the town-centre environment and encourage more sustainable travel.

£43 million secured towards scheme

The Outline Business Case was approved on 13 October 2026, with the Department publicly announcing the milestone on 27 October.

An estimated £43 million has been secured through the Mid South West Growth Deal towards the scheme.

The approved £100.1 million figure is a cost estimate, not confirmation that the entire construction budget has been secured.

Infrastructure Minister welcomes progress

Ms Kimmins said the bypass could bring transport, economic and community benefits to Cookstown and the surrounding area.

The project forms part of wider efforts to improve connectivity in the Mid South West region.

Although approval of the business case represents progress, it does not mean construction has begun or that an opening date has been confirmed.

Further steps will be required before the proposed bypass can be delivered.

Other news: £750,000 Ardboe road resurfacing scheme to begin with traffic diversions

External link: DfI Cookstown bypass announcement