The M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace (north of Newcastle) is now expected to open to traffic in late 2026, more than a year earlier than originally planned.
The fast-tracked timeline comes as the project reaches a major milestone, with the northern section, the Heatherbrae Bypass, now complete. This encompasses five kilometres of new motorway.
“Completion of the Heatherbrae section of this project means we are well and truly past the halfway mark, with all work set to be completed by the end of the year,” said Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King.
“The school holiday traffic we’re seeing on the existing highway right now is a great reminder as to why this project is vital.
“Nearly 25,000 vehicles use this road on a normal day, with that number swelling during the holiday breaks.”
The Hunter’s largest infrastructure project, the M1 Pacific Motorway extension and Hexham Straight widening projects are jointly funded with a total investment of $2.24 billion ($1.792 billion from the Australian Government and $448 million from the NSW Government).
As part of the northern section, the Raymond Terrace interchange, the Masonite Road overpass and a major bridge crossing at Windeyers Creek have also all been completed.
Completion of the Heatherbrae Bypass means this section of the M1 extension will open as soon as work on the 10 kilometre southern section from Black Hill to Tomago is complete, later this year.
Once opened, contractors will remain on site to monitor how the new road adjusts to carrying highway traffic, undertake landscaping establishment, and targeted maintenance as required – for up to two years on the southern section and one year on the northern section.
State Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley added, “Now that the Heatherbrae Bypass is complete, this next step is linking it properly into the motorway so the benefits are felt right across the Hunter.
“Reaching this milestone is incredibly exciting and even more so because we’re opening ahead of schedule.”
NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison added, “Seeing a project of this scale moving more than a year ahead of schedule doesn’t happen by chance – it’s down to the incredible crews on the ground getting the job done.
“As one of the largest infrastructure projects in the region’s history, the M1 extension will deliver faster, safer and more reliable journeys for communities across the region.
“The project is now progressing ahead of the previously expected 2028 completion, with the full motorway on track to open in late 2026.
“Reaching this milestone with the northern section, including the Heatherbrae Bypass, shows just how much progress is being made and brings us one step closer to delivering a fully connected motorway.”
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