Motorists can look forward to further safety improvements on the New England Highway with work about to start on a 2.2-kilometre section of the road just north of Moonbi.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the $3.4 million project was partly funded by the Saving Lives on Country Roads initiative as part of the NSW Government’s $50 million Safer Roads Program.

“The New England Highway provides a vital transport and freight route to our friends on the Northern Tablelands and further North to Queensland and this upgrade will provide a safer, wider and smoother journey for the more than 5200 vehicles, including almost 14 per cent heavy vehicles, that use this part of the highway each day,” Mr Anderson said.

“We are making our regional roads safer with upgrades. No family should have to endure the loss of a loved one on our roads. That’s why the NSW Government developed the Saving Lives on Country Roads initiative – to help address the number of people being killed and seriously injured on country roads.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said improvement work was being carried out on multiple sections of the New England Highway, including this upgrade from just north of Charles Street.

“This work will include drainage and pavement repairs, shoulder widening, installation of new safety barriers, vegetation management and better road signage,” Mr Farraway said.

“The existing pavement will be rehabilitated and restored to as-new condition, to provide a 20-year life.”

“The NSW Government is investing in road upgrades in Tamworth to ensure the community benefits from stronger and safer roads for years to come, ensuring a brighter future for NSW.

Work will be carried out from 7am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and is expected to be completed by November, weather permitting.

Lane closures, a single-lane alternating traffic flow arrangement and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place during work hours, which may affect travel times.

There will be no access to and from Wellington Street at Moonbi for the duration of the work, with detours on the southern side of the highway via Charles Street and on the northern side via William and Gill streets. Access to properties will be maintained at all times.

Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.

For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW app, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

For more information about work on the New England Highway, visit nswroads.work/nehwy

A map of the detour routes is available here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/gbxfvzxnjmx4lpb/2206XX%20MR%20New%20England%20Highway%20Moonbi.jpg?dl=0