The Prime Minister and Federal Transport Minister have officially opened the last Hume Highway bypass in New South Wales. The Federal representatives were joined by Duncan Gray, NSW Road Minister to cut the ribbon on the multi-million dollar bypass.

The latest bypass near the town of Holbrook marks the completion of the Hume Highway duplication, a project that has racked up a staggering 50 years of continuous construction and billions of dollars in investment. Holbrook is the 49th and final town to be bypassed, residents attending the launch over the weekend were allowed to walk the new 9 kilometre stretch.

The Prime Minister was on-site to officiate, she said she was happy to join the town in its red letter day.

"We are celebrating the arrival of a long-planned, long-anticipated destination: the full duplication of the Hume. Congratulations Australia," Julia Gillard said. The Holbrook bypass will be open to traffic next month.