Minister for Transport Martin Cullen is due to formally open the latest section of the M6 between Kinnegad and Tyrrellspass today.
The new 19-kilometre dual carriageway is part of the motorway project linking Dublin and Galway.
The next nine-kilometre section between Tyrrellspass and Kilbeggan is due to open next year, while the 30-kilometre section from Kilbeggan to Athlone is expected to be finished in 2008.