Shovels will soon be in the ground and mark the start of works to upgrade a ‘black spot’ on the New England Highway at Bolivia Hill, about 20 kilometres south of Tenterfield, New South Wales.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack today announced joint venture Georgiou Group Pty Ltd and SRG Civil PTY LTD as the successful tenderer to carry out the upgrade to improve safety and journey reliability for road users.

“This upgrade is a step closer to becoming a reality and improving safety for locals and visitors by building a new bridge on the New England Highway at Bolivia Hill with wider lanes and road shoulders,” Mr McCormack said.

New South Wales Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said the highway was a vital road for the Glen Innes and Tenterfield communities as well as tourists and freight trucks.

“The New England Highway is an important freight corridor and serves as an alternative to the Pacific Highway. By investing in this project motorists will enjoy a more efficient and safer journey,” Mrs Pavey said.

Federal Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said construction would soon be underway on the crash hotspot.

“This is a great local project which once complete will change and save lives. I have been fighting for this for years on your behalf,” Mr Joyce said.

New South Wales Member for Lismore Thomas George said the upgrade would take around two years to complete, weather permitting.

“The community will be kept informed about when work is expected to start on the upgrade over coming months,” Mr George said.

The preferred option for the upgrade was confirmed in February 2014 and the upgrade is due for completion in 2020, weather permitting.

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