A bush fire is burning along the road and emergency services are on the scene trying to get it under control.

The road was closed earlier on Tuesday due to a serious head-on crash between a truck and car. A woman was airlifted to Tamworth Hospital with serious injuries.

Motorists travelling between Uralla and Bendemeer should use the Oxley Highway and Thunderbolts Way via Walcha instead.

This alternative route will add about 35 minutes to journeys, so motorists should allow plenty of extra travel time.