Work began today on the new bypass around Kinnegad and Kilbeggan which will cut half an hour off journeys between Dublin and Galway.
The 57 kilometre stretch of dual carriageway will cost €230 million to build.
Minister for Transport Martin Cullen said the said was a vital step in improving the road network in the west of the country.
"This is among the most crucial projects in the Government's road investment programme," he said. "For too long, tailbacks and bottlenecks have typified road journeys to the west. We have set about correcting years of under-investment to address the problem."
Mr Cullen said the Government was committed to investing €150 million of taxpayers' money per month in the country's road network. "Investing €150 million per month in roads provides and protects jobs, ensures goods get to the market quicker and allows the regions to prosper. These gains contribute to a better quality of life."
The road is one of eight projects improving road access to the West. The other routes being upgraded include the Kinnegad to Athlone dual carriageway, the Loughrea bypass, the Athlone bypass, the Athlone to Ballinasloe dual carriageway, the Ballinasloe East to Galway dual carriageway, the Galway Eastern Approach Road and the Galway Outer bypass.