The Minister was speaking during a site visit to the A29 Carland Bridge Realignment Scheme to view progress on this major construction project.
Mr Murphy said the project has been long-awaited.
"It will improve road safety and reduce delays and journey times on this important part of the roads network," he said.
"This will also improve the quality of life for local residents through a significant reduction in passing traffic."
Preliminary works commenced on site early last month. The entire scheme is expected to be completed within 16 months, by December 2010.
-- Advertisement --
The existing A29 at Carland Bridge has poor alignment with a series of bends, narrow verges and poor visibility.
The bridge is located at a right-angled bend where articulated and large vehicles are forced to use the on-coming traffic lane in order to negotiate the corner, frequently bringing two-way traffic to a halt.
The Minister said: "The A29 is a designated Link Corridor within the Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan, linking Newry in the south to Coleraine in the north.
"This scheme comprises a single two-lane carriageway extending for 1.85 kilometres, bypassing the hamlet of Carland to the west and linking back into the existing A29 at either end. It also includes the construction of a new bridge and river realignment works.
"The work will lead to a significant improvement for the local community and will be funded as part of a comprehensive programme of improvement works to the Strategic Road Network."
In November 2006, a formal public exhibition/information day was held at a local venue to explain the proposed scheme in detail and seek comments and views from the local community. In general, there has been widespread approval from the public and those directly affected by the scheme.
The contract for construction of the new section of trunk road at Carland Bridge, Dungannon was awarded to Fox Building and Engineering Ltd.
(PR/KMcA)
