It’s been transformed from a narrow gravel road to a wider sealed one, and a reduced speed of 80km/h will apply on the newly sealed section until spring when the final seal and line marking will be carried out.

Tamworth mayor Col Murray said the upgrade made it quicker, easier and safer for heavy vehicles to bypass Tamworth, or get to the Glen Artney industrial area without cutting through the city.

“It is good news for freight access and there will be flow-on economic benefits especially for local agricultural producers,” Cr Murray said.

“The upgrade has been all about facilitating future B-double access while provide a safer and more efficient road.”

Since the project started, different sections of the lane closed to traffic to allow the construction work to take place, including removing two metres of earth from the crest of two hills close to the Oxley Highway end of the lane to improve road safety by increasing the line of sight for motorists.

The upgrade will soon move to its final stage, with the construction of a new Appleby Lane and Manilla Road intersection.

The design of the intersection is underway and on-site work is expected to start in September.