PART of a new A6 dual carriageway in Co Antrim is opening to traffic for the first time today.
Vehicles will be able to use a seven kilometre stretch of the road between the M22 at Randalstown and Toome.
This is the first phase of a £185 million dualling scheme which will upgrade 14.7 kilometres of the north western transport corridor between Randalstown and Castledawson.
The Moneynick Road was closed over the weekend for works to link the new road with the existing network.
The Department for Infrastructure said traffic will still be merged into one lane in each direction in the vicinity of the M22 Junction 3.
"In this area there will be a 50mph speed restriction for a distance of several hundred metres, after which traffic will have unrestricted use of the new dual carriageway," they said.
"The opening of seven kilometres of new dual carriageway is a positive step forward in the project and welcome news for the 20,000 vehicles using the route each day.
"The flagship project will strengthen the links between Belfast and the north west and will bring long term benefits to road users and the local community."
The department said works will continue at the M22 Junction 3 for a further four weeks, and the section will be formally opened once they are complete.
The opening of the stretch has been welcomed by Seamus Leheny, policy manager for Northern Ireland, Freight Transport Association.
He said: "Our members in Northern Ireland are deeply affected by the congestion and delay issues along this vital stretch of highway; the new carriageway will provide businesses with the journey time certainty and reliability they need to operate effectively."
