The Member for New England visited the works yesterday, which he said is nearing 40 per cent complete, and on schedule to be done by 2020.

The project involves a spectacular looking works at the bottom of a cliff, which are set to add 2.1 kilometres of new highway and a new 320 metre bridge for traffic descending down the hill. It will also involve wider lanes, shoulders and lane separation in the notoriously dangerous bend.

The last serious accident occurred in late 2018, with works actually underway. The driver of a semi-trailer overbalanced and ran off the hill, wrecking a truck but leaving the driver miraculously uninjured in the late-night accident.

Mr Joyce said the upgrade will mean a safer, more efficient freight and tourist network across the region.

"I've been fighting for the electorate to get this project off the ground so it's great to see work progressing to improve our corridor of commerce that is the New England Highway," he said yesterday.

"This is an investment back into the New England, an investment back into jobs and an investment in making sure our nation and our regions grow stronger."