Black ice is believed to have been blamed for two separate accidents on the major highway near Bendemeer, between Tamworth and Uralla.

Due to safety concerns for other motorists, police closed the road to all traffic until warmer weather conditions took hold. 

Traffic was turned around at the scene until mid-morning when the road was re-opened.

EARLIER: Black ice has forced the closure of the New England Highway at Bendemeer on Wednesday morning.

Police were on scene at 8am directing traffic away from the scene on the Moonbi hills.

The highway is closed in both directions just south of Bendemeer on the Moonbi hills.

Police said the highway is expected to be closed in both directions until the temperature climbs enough to melt the ice on the roadway. 

More to come.