One of the Hunter Region’s biggest infrastructure projects, the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace, has been approved by the Australian Government.
The $2.1 billion project will deliver a 15-kilometre extension of the M1 Pacific Motorway from Black Hill to Raymond Terrace, New South Wales, including a 2.6-kilometre bridge over the New England Highway and Hunter River.
The surrounding network will also be upgraded, including the Hexham Straight Widening of around six kilometres of the Pacific Highway/Maitland Road to three lanes in each direction between the Newcastle Inner City Bypass at Sandgate and the New England Highway at Hexham Bridge.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway, said the upgrade will cater to the transport industry.
“This project is also set to create better access for key employment areas and support freight servicing the Hunter Valley mining industry, the Port of Newcastle and interstate freight – meaning it will have local, regional and national economic benefits,” he said.
“The 15-kilometre extension includes a four-lane divided motorway with two lanes in each direction, four new interchanges and a 2.6-kilometre viaduct over the Hunter River and floodplain, the Main North Rail Line and the New England Highway.
“We now have the official planning approval to get on with the job of delivering one of the biggest infrastructure projects the Hunter region has ever seen to make daily life easier for families, businesses and truckies.”
John Holland Gamuda Australia Joint Venture has been announced as the contractors for the southern section of the project, covering a 10-kilometre section extending from Black Hill to Tomago.
Seymour Whyte Constructions will deliver the northern contract, completing the five-kilometre section that will bypass Heatherbrae.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace will be a key link in Australia’s infrastructure.
“Demand on the road network in this area is only expected to increase as local populations grow,” she said.
“We know that extending the M1 will provide improved traffic flow and increased connectivity.
“Getting the official tick to move forward is exciting news for the community as we continue to build the infrastructure that communities in regional NSW deserve.”
The project is expected to be open to traffic in mid-2028, weather permitting.
In other news, major work is now underway to lay the foundations for the new Dubbo bridge across the Macquarie River in Dubbo.
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