[3] The Queensland segment of the New England Highway is a state-controlled road, subdivided into three sections for administrative and funding purposes.

During the winter months, some parts of the New England Highway are subject to frost and snowfall,[6][7] with the 350 km section from the Moonbi Ranges to Stanthorpe located at high altitudes.

The rough track, navigable only by horse or bullock dray, crossed the Liverpool Range, went through Tamworth and ended at the state border at Mount Lindesay, where it connected with the Queensland road network.

The remaining portion from Hexham to Brisbane was later renamed New England Highway, through Queensland on 14 February 1933,[17] and a month later through New South Wales on 14 March 1933.

[18][19] In 1936 the road was described by contemporary observers as being in good condition (for the time), with spectacular scenery and excellent accommodation en route.

As part of this, the New England Highway was extended north to its current terminus at Yarraman, via Clifton, Toowoomba and Hampton.

As of July 2021, completed, current or proposed improvements on the New England Highway include:[24] The Scone Bypass was opened in March 2020.

[25] The New England Highway upgrade and rail bridge replacement at Singleton (known as Gowrie Gates) was opened in July 2019.

[26] The Roads of Strategic Importance initiative, last updated in March 2022, includes the following projects for the New England Highway in Queensland.

[27] A project to develop supporting road infrastructure for the Emu Swamp Dam, adjacent to the New England Highway at Stanthorpe, at a cost of $6.3 million is planned to be completed by mid-2023.

[28] A project to upgrade the intersection with the Cunningham Highway east of Warwick, at a cost of $25 million, was due for completion in August 2022.