Businesses in Northern Ireland are in line for a boost after work to improve the A6 between Belfast and Londonderry was given the go-ahead.

For many years, motorists and freighters have been forced to suffer long delays and higher transport costs due to congestion on the 70-mile stretch. The majority of goods travelling the route are often exports and imports being shipped via Belfast and Larne ports.

Seamus Leheny, the Freight Transport Association’s (FTA) policy manager for Northern Ireland, said the work would “ensure that another piece of the A6 jigsaw is completed”.

He added that extended journey times along the route have been proved unattractive to potential investment in the past.

Mr Leheny continued: “After years of lobbying ministers and government officials to proceed with improving the A6, the FTA looks forward to this section’s completion in due course and to the progression of plans for upgrading several other sections of the A6 to Londonderry.

“An improved A6 will not only assist businesses in the north-west to send and receive goods faster and cheaper, but it will also help attract inward investment to the region, as the ability to transport goods to market efficiently is a key criterion for any company considering investing in a new location.”

Ben Robb, brand manager at The Fuelcard People, adds: “It is great news for freighters and businesses alike that this troublesome stretch of road is finally getting the improvement work it so deserves.”