The NSW government is beginning foundational work for an upgrade on the M1 Pacific Motorway, which will include a 15km extension to connect it to more parts of the state.
The $2.1 billion extension (split $1.68 billion by the federal government and $420 million by the state) will include new bridge crossings at Tarro and Raymond Terrace, and an overpass for Masonite Road at Heatherbrae.
It will include upgrades such as the Hexham Straight widening, and a 2.6km viaduct over the Hunter River and floodplain, the Main North Rail Line and the New England Highway.
Federal transport minister Catherine King says this will provide important upgrades to motorists travelling between NSW and Queensland.
“This project, together with the Coffs Harbour bypass, will provide the remaining major upgrades to complete a free-flowing dual carriageway route between Sydney and Brisbane,” she says.
“The M1 extension will create more efficient and reliable journeys by bypassing five sets of traffic lights, saving nine minutes in travel time and removing about 25,000 vehicles a day from key congestion and merge points between Newcastle and Maitland.
“I’m delighted that both the Australian and NSW governments are working together to complete the job so locals across the Hunter can see an end to the traffic chaos and daily delays.”
Works on a new bypass in Coffs Harbour are also underway, expected to be completed in 2027, while the M1 extension has an opening timeframe of 2028.
NSW roads minister Jenny Aitchison say the projects will also bring an economic boost to the state.
“This will provide a welcome boost to the economy by supporting up to 2,700 direct and indirect jobs during construction and will transform the way people move to and from and through the Hunter,” she says.
“More than $3 billion of road projects are being funded by the Australian and NSW governments across the Hunter at the moment.
“This not only boosts the regional, State and Federal economy but will improve safety and efficiency for our local and regional communities and all motorists.”