It is one of two upgrades carried out on the well-travelled strip of the Oxley Highway between Gunnedah and Tamworth. An extension on a westbound overtaking lane near the Keepit Dam turn-off was completed recently.

The works are part of the NSW Government’s $50 million commitment to improve the highway for motorists.

“The Oxley Highway is the lifeblood of this community, connecting Port Macquarie to Tamworth, Gunnedah, Coonabarabran, Gilgandra and Warren,” Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said.

“For years motorists have been calling out for overtaking lanes between Tamworth and Gunnedah.

“It enhances the safety component for drivers and helps reduce unsafe manoeuvres and takes the stress out of it.”

Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey said he was proud that the works near Gunnedah had been carried out by Gunnedah Shire Council employees in conjunction with contractors within the region.

“It shows the ability of the great staff of Gunnedah shire to deliver a project like this,” he said.

“I really applaud Kevin’s efforts to attract funding to Gunnedah for these projects and the state government for their current focus on regional areas.”

Mr Anderson said it was a “fantastic outcome all round”.

"Every time we invest $1 into local roads, we get our councils where we can, to do that work,” he said.

“It’s investing in our local roads and also investing in our councils and keeping jobs and creating jobs.”

Among other complete works are the Meridian rest area intersection upgrade about 24 kilometres west of Gunnedah, and the widening of the westbound road shoulder at the Grain Valley Way intersection to enable drivers to safely pass right-turning vehicles.

There are now also dedicated turning lanes for motorists exiting the Oxley Highway at the Black Stump Way intersection and better line marking and signage.

Work on a fourth project – a right turn lane into Howe Street from the Oxley Highway at Carroll – has entered the final stage.