Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen said prequalified contractors had been requested to bid for the project, which is part of a package of upgrades being delivered along the Golden Highway. 

“The NSW Government is investing $109 million, with a further $24 million in funding from the Australian Government, for the overall package to make improvements to this important road corridor between the Hunter Valley and Dubbo,” he said.

“These upgrades will improve safety, travel times, reliability and freight access for road users while providing a smoother road surface and catering for over dimension and over mass loads.”

The package of upgrades has been funded under the NSW Government’s Regional Freight Pinch Point and Safety Program and the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Package.

Mr Johnsen said the contract involves upgrading a 1.7km section of highway near Ogilivies Hill and a 3.6km section of highway between Bowmans Crossing and Saddlers Creek at Winery Hill, around nine kilometres west of Jerrys Plains.

“The improvements include building overtaking lanes in both directions to improve safety and traffic flow, rebuilding and realigning the road, widening road shoulders, drainage improvements and providing five metre clear zones along sections of the highway,” he added.

Tenders close at 2.30pm on Wednesday, August 29.

Tenders are to be lodged at https://tenders.nsw.gov.au/rms

For more information about the Golden Highway upgrades, visit http://rms.work/goldenhighway and https://tenders.nsw.gov.au/rms