The N52 Tullamore bypass was officially opened by the Taoiseach Brian Cowen this afternoon.
The 14km single carriageway bypass features 6 underbridges and 1 overbridge and has been completed ten months ahead of schedule at a cost of €45 million.
The development departs from the existing line of the N52 in the townland of Heath, 6km southwest of Tullamore, and rejoins it in the townland of Gormagh, 3km north of the town.
The project also features four 10-metre high art installations celebrating Offaly’s monastic heritage by artist Maurice Harron at the north end of the scheme.
The bypass is expected to greatly reduce journey times for motorists travelling from the south-west and mid-west to Northern Ireland, and from Rosslare to the north-west.
Mr Cowen said the bypass would improve connectivity between the towns of Athlone, Tullamore and Mullingar, in line with the Government's National Spatial Strategy and provide access to the M6 Dublin to Galway route.
"It will result in reduced transport costs and greater efficiency in the transportation of goods. This is good news for the business community in the region," he said.