Walcha Council director of engineering said Council has been committed to improving safety on the Thunderbolts Way for many years.

"The Thunderbolts Way is certainly improving, however there is much more work to be done," Mr Reeves said.

"The support Council is receiving from State and Federal Government is key to continuing to improve this important route."

While in Walcha for a National Party branch meeting, and to film some footage for his current campaign ad, Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson said the vital road safety upgrades are a part of the $182 million record investment across the state.

“This safety work is great news for those motorists that use this section of Thunderbolts Way and will include the installation of w-beam barriers on roadsides, marking road edges, road edge lines and to install a barrier line," he said. "Not only will this funding be fixing local black spots, we’re also delivering safer roads right across the region."

Mr Anderson said projects like Thunderbolts Way are prioritised based on their potential to reduce fatalities and serious injuries per dollar spent and targeted at the most critical safety issues on the NSW road network.

“This funding announcement is on top of $10,319,600 allocated from the Fixing Country Roads Program to Walcha Council for work on Thunderbolts Way to the council boundary beyond Nowendoc," he said. Walcha Council will also contribute $1 million to the five year project.

Mr Reeves said his team has commenced work on the Thunderbolts Way project.

"Further funding to improve safety around Smith’s Creek is fantastic news for all road users, we hope to continue to work collaboratively with government to deliver these improvements."