The M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace is progressing ahead, as the first girders are successfully lifted into place at the northern interchange on the Heatherbrae Bypass.
The overbridge at the northern interchange will serve as the main direct access off the M1 Pacific Motorway, to the Pacific Highway and the townships of Heatherbrae and Raymond Terrace.
When completed, the interchange will provide southbound motorists the option to continue into Heatherbrae using the local road network or take the new motorway across Windeyers Creek bypassing Heatherbrae.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King commented, “Once complete, 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.
“The Australian and NSW Governments are proud to be working together to deliver the ‘missing link’ and strengthening our road network across the nation.”
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison added: “This is great news for the 48,000 motorists from across NSW who travel on the notorious bottleneck on the Pacific Highway at Hexham.
“Combined with the Hexham Straight Widening project, this will significantly improve journeys for local motorists, visitors and the freight industry.”
The work to build the overbridge includes geotechnical investigations, relocation of utilities, drainage, earthworks, bridge substructure and superstructure, and pavement works.
The team has already lifted 62 of the 827 bridge girders into place across the project, with more than 70 per cent of the Heatherbrae.
The extension is expected to be open to traffic in mid-2028.
Nearly no traffic lights, there is still a set at Pennant Hills Rd, from one tollway to another to overcome for that claim