Politicians from the federal, state and local government levels donned their hard hats to celebrate the turning of the first sod, to mark the milestone in a project that has been on the radar for many years.

READ ALSO:

Federal member for New England Barnaby Joyce said the highway was a vital road for the Glen Innes and Tenterfield communities as well as passing tourists and freight vehicles.

“Building good transport links for heavy vehicles means that local producers can be sure their produce will reach market in a safe and cost-competitive manner,” Mr Joyce said.

“I’ve been fighting for the electorate to get this project off the ground so it’s great to see work underway to improve our corridor of commerce that is the New England Highway.”

The existing highway in the Bolivia Hill area had a poor crash history due to narrow lanes and road shoulders, a rock face on one side and a steep rock valley on the other, issues the upgrade will address, NSW minister for roads, maritime and freight Melinda Pavey said.

“This project will include more than two kilometres of new road, a new 320-metre-long bridge, wider lanes in each direction and widened road shoulders.”

NSW Member for Lismore Thomas George said the Bolivia Hill project would save lives.

“This section of the New England Highway has seen a number of crashes over the past decade, which is why the Australian and NSW governments are working together to make this stretch of road safer and more efficient for all users.”

Work will be carried out between 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday and between 8am and 1pm on Saturdays. Nearby residents will be advised of any construction work outside normal working hours.

The project is expected to be completed in late 2020, weather permitting.

The Bolivia Hill Upgrade is being jointly funded, with the Australian Government committing $55 million and the New South Wales Government committing $25 million.