Phillip Hornby of Blayney – south of Orange – died after the B-double he was driving crashed into the Tangaratta Creek bridge, 10km west of Tamworth, about 3pm.

The highway was closed for several hours while emergency services attended the scene.

Mr Hornby, 38, was believed to be travelling toward the Cargill abattoir when the truck crashed and rolled, 10km from his destination.

It is thought he lost control on the sweeping bend.

Police investigations are continuing into the cause of the accident and a report is being prepared for the coroner.

Meanwhile, Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) has assured motorists it will inspect Tangaratta Creek bridge and repair damage caused by Monday’s fatal truck crash.

An RMS spokesman said until the work was completed traffic would continue to be reduced to one lane with traffic-light control.

“The repair work is expected to take several weeks,” he said.

“The RMS has been working on concept options to replace or upgrade Tangaratta Creek bridge and to improve this section of the

highway.”

He said further work would be required to develop a detailed design.

“The funding to progress this project further, including building, would be subject to budget considerations having regard for state-wide priorities,” he said.