Traffic will begin to flow from Walcha along the Oxley Highway to the coast this weekend but it will be under strict traffic management.
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said a 10-kilometre section between Ralfes Trail and the Gingers Creek store will be open to one lane of traffic with vehicles travelling at a reduced speed in a convoy.
“This is great news for Walcha residents as the forced closure of the highway by bushfire damage has dramatically cut the flow of tourist traffic and livestock movements to processing plants on the coast," he said.
“These controlled traffic arrangements will operate 24 hours a day and remain in place until the highway is fully opened to traffic.
“Work is progressing on the repairs with up to seven crews working at one time to repair this section of the highway, which includes a workforce of more than 60 people working extended hours on rotation."
Mr Anderson thanked the road crews who are working on the repairs.
“Repair work is expected to continue for several weeks into 2020 under traffic control, and motorists are asked to be patient," he said.
“The exact time and date of the reopening of the highway will be confirmed and announced as soon as possible.
“As there is a risk of rocks or trees falling onto the road surface in the event of high winds or significant rainfall, motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, and follow the directions of signs and traffic control."
For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.