New 4km bypass moves closer as £100.1m plan aims to ease Cookstown traffic and improve journeys on A29

A busy A29 through Cookstown

Tuesday 27 October 2026

Plans for a £100.1 million bypass around Cookstown have taken a significant step forward, with the Outline Business Case for the long-awaited road scheme receiving formal approval.

The proposed A29 Cookstown Bypass would provide approximately 4km of new carriageway, helping to divert traffic away from the town centre, reduce congestion and improve journey times along one of County Tyrone’s key transport routes.

The Outline Business Case was approved on 13 October 2026, with an estimated scheme cost of £100.1 million. Of that total, £43 million has already been secured through the Mid South West Growth Deal.

Where the new bypass would run

The proposed route would extend from 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 the Sandholes Link Road, forming part of the wider improvements to transport connections around the town.

By providing an alternative route for traffic travelling along the A29 corridor, the bypass is intended to reduce pressure on Cookstown town centre while improving road safety and making journeys more reliable.

Reducing through-traffic could also create opportunities to improve the town centre environment, including changes that would make walking, cycling and other sustainable travel options more attractive.

Minister welcomes progress on major road scheme

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins welcomed the approval, describing the bypass as an important investment in Cookstown’s transport infrastructure and future development.

She said:

“The A29 Cookstown Bypass is a much-needed scheme and will help to relieve traffic congestion within Cookstown town centre, reduce journey travel times along the A29 link corridor, improve road safety and enhance the town centre environment.

“The decongestion benefits of the scheme will also provide significant opportunities for the enhancement and reshaping of Cookstown town centre to promote sustainable travel choices.

“The approval of the Outline Business Case is the next welcome step to see this bypass become a reality.”

The Minister also highlighted the wider economic significance of the project, which forms part of the Mid South West Growth Deal.

She added:

“The scheme is part of the Mid South West Growth Deal and as well as the benefits in terms of transport and connectivity, it will also bring economic and community benefits to the County Tyrone town.”

Funding and delivery still to be progressed

The approval represents an important milestone in developing the bypass, but does not mean construction has been authorised to begin.

While £43 million has been secured towards the £100.1 million estimated cost, the announcement does not confirm how the remaining funding will be provided.

No construction start date or anticipated completion date has been announced.

For residents, businesses and motorists regularly travelling through Cookstown, the latest approval brings the prospect of reduced town centre congestion closer, although further funding and delivery decisions will determine when those improvements can become a reality.