The upgrade of the New England Highway at Bolivia Hill is a step closer to completion.
Traffic has been moved onto a new section of road as part of the $80 million federal and state government-funded project.
Federal Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said the upgrade would improve safety and efficiency on this vital tourist and freight route and help support the economy through improved connectivity to the regions and markets.
“Work to widen and stabilise the eastern side of the highway will enable rebuilding to start on the western side of the highway about 32 kilometres south of Tenterfield,” he said.
“Construction of the Bolivia Hill upgrade will continue to provide economic stability to the Tenterfield and Glen Innes communities, complement other recently completed projects such as the Scone Bypass and Armidale Airport Roundabout while also supporting major capital work on our corridor of commerce that is the New England Highway.”
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said the local community can be assured the project is sourcing water required for concrete production from a private borehole near the worksite and water is also collected and reused on-site wherever possible.
“During the recent fires, the project team supported the Rural Fire Service by providing access to site facilities and water to assist with firefighting efforts, which was pivotal to getting those fires under control,” he said.
Transport for NSW advises motorists the New England Highway will continue to be reduced to one lane at Bolivia Hill while work continues on the upgrade.
Traffic control, traffic lights and CCTV cameras are all used to manage this alternate flow traffic arrangement 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with road users typically experiencing delays of no more than 10 minutes.
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