A $2.1 billion project expected to reduce congestion by about 25,000 vehicles a day and save commuters from the Hunter Valley to Sydney nine minutes per trip by 2028 is closer to getting started
Seymour Whyte Constructions and the John Holland / Gamuda Joint Venture have been announced as the successful contractors to tackle 15km of road works on the Pacific Highway near Newcastle.
The John Holland/ Gamuda Joint Venture will build the 10-kilometre extension of the M1 from Black Hill to Tomago, while Seymour Whyte Constructions will build the five-kilometre northern section that bypasses Heatherbrae.
The Australian and NSW governments are jointly funding the $2.1 billion M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace project on an 80:20 basis and it is expected to be open to traffic in mid-2028.
NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Sam Farraway says this project is the last piece in the puzzle when it comes to providing a smooth passage from Sydney to Brisbane on the east coast’s major arterial highway.
“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,” Farraway says.
Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson says the works would be of great benefits to locals living in Maitland and Newcastle, as well as those travelling through the area.
“The M1 at Hexam is the last bottle neck on the Pacific Highway between Sydney and Brisbane,” Swanson says.
“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,” she says.
“I’m glad this project will streamline the flow of traffic for both daily and seasonal motorists.”
NSW State Member for the Upper Hunter Dave Layzell says the assigning of the contracts was a major milestone for the region.
“This is landmark day for the Hunter, locking in the companies that would build one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the region’s history,” Layzell says.
“The 15-kilometre, four-lane extension from Black Hill to Raymond Terrace is set to boost the Hunter region. No more bumper-to-bumper traffic queues, mums and dads taking the kids on a holiday road trip can do so at ease.
“The NSW Minister for Planning has given the tick of approval for this project, and we expect the Australian Government to provide planning approval early next year.
“Once this is in place we can hit the ground running, as early works are on schedule and major construction is on track to fire up by mid-next year.”