Tenders have been called to upgrade a section of the New England Highway, 17km north of Armidale.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Anthony Albanese, said the upgrade will help improve traffic flows and safety along this important link between the Hunter and the New England regions.

"The Australian Government is working with the NSW Government to plan for and deliver on infrastructure projects that will help drive economic growth across the New England region," Mr Albanese said.

"The project will greatly improve road conditions along this 2km length of the highway by removing crests and tight curves so that vehicles can safely travel at 100km/h," he said.

This section of the New England Highway has had a poor crash history over the past 10 years. Once complete, this project will improve road safety and reduce crashes on this section of the New England Highway.

The highway is a major route for heavy transport from Sydney to Brisbane and provides an alternative route to the Pacific Highway. On average, more than 450 heavy vehicles use this section of the Highway every day.

NSW Roads Minister, Eric Roozendaal, said the carriageway will be widened to better cater for the trucks that regularly use the route.

"Two truck pull-over areas are also being constructed at the northern and southern ends of the section," Mr Roozendaal said.

"This announcement is good news for the New England region, which produces over $1.9 billion in agricultural produce each year," he said.

Construction is expected to start in early 2009. Tender information is available at tenders.nsw.gov.au