There are many reasons to warmly welcome the announcement that work to upgrade the notorious A5 road is finally due to begin.
The improved link between Derry and the border at Monaghan, to cost an estimated £2.1 billion if fully completed, is crucial to improving connections for communities and businesses west of the Bann as well as between the north west and the rest of Ireland.
It will create vital jobs in construction over the course of several years, and help address a regional imbalance in infrastructure that has been a source of resentment stretching back decades.
But most importantly, we know it will dramatically reduce the number of lives lost and life-changing injuries caused on one of the most dangerous routes on these islands.
It is a source of enormous regret, and indeed shame, that 57 people have been taken from their families since plans to upgrade the busy road were first adopted at Stormont back in 2007.
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd rightly dedicated yesterday’s announcement to all those who have died or been seriously injured and those who have campaigned tirelessly in their memory down the years.
He was confirming that a decision has been taken to proceed with the first and biggest phase of the enormous project, covering 34 miles between Strabane and Ballygawley.
Construction will take five years and no doubt involve significant disruption as well as vesting of land or homes. That will be a price well worth paying for the wider benefits of the scheme.
The work prioritises the most dangerous stretch of the A5, but has been accompanied by a commitment to complete the remaining sections, one which will now require further scrutiny.
The GAA, among others, deserves enormous credit for ensuring that ending the carnage on this road was at the very top of the agenda for the new administration.
Such grassroots campaigning, albeit in heartbreaking circumstances, has been a powerful example of how communities can mobilise to effect real change.
Described as a “momentous day” by First Minister Michelle O’Neill, it is also an example of the type of delivery the public so desperately need from their political leaders at a time when faith in the devolved institutions is in such short supply.
Following on from plans by Economy Minister Conor Murphy this week to direct more investment outside greater Belfast, as well as funding for City of Derry Airport, it represents important progress on addressing historical disparities.
What must happen now is that no more obstacles are allowed to prevent work on the A5 proceeding at the earliest opportunity and the scenes of devastation we have witnessed so many times are left in the past.
