A $2.1 billion M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace is expected to reduce congestion by around 25,000 vehicles a day, saving commuters around nine minutes off each trip.
And major construction is edging one step closer. The Australian and NSW governments are jointly funding the project on an 80:20 basis.
The project will include a 15-kilometre, four-lane extension from Black Hill to Raymond Terrace in the Hunter region.
John Holland/ Gamuda Joint Venture will build the 10-kilometre southern section that extends from Black Hill to Tomago, and Seymour Whyte Constructions will build the five-kilometre northern section that bypasses Heatherbrae.
The project is being delivered using two collaborative design and construct contracts, with the extension expected to be open to traffic in mid-2028.
“This is an exciting time for the Hunter and NSW as this project, together with the Coffs Harbour bypass, will provide the remaining major upgrades to complete a free-flowing route between Sydney and Brisbane with no traffic lights, making getting from A to B easier for motorists,” said NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Sam Farraway.
“We delivered the duplication of the Pacific Highway and now we’re delivering the final piece of the puzzle, which will take travelling in NSW forward.”
Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson added, “The M1 at Hexam is the last bottle neck on the Pacific highway between Sydney and Brisbane. This critical work will ensure thousands of vehicles keep moving, not only North/South but also locals travelling back and forth from Maitland and Newcastle.”