Construction on the M1 Pacific Motorway extension has passed a major milestone, with crews completing foundation works for 11 new bridges between Black Hill and Raymond Terrace.
The milestone clears the way for the next phase of high-intensity construction on the 15-kilometre corridor, which is one of the most important transport links in the Hunter for freight, commuters and long-distance traffic.
Since February 2024, project teams have installed 278 bridge piles across the alignment, including 173 piles for the 2.6-kilometre viaduct spanning the Hunter River and surrounding floodplain. Sixteen piles were installed directly into the riverbed using heavy-lift barges in a complex marine operation that was delivered safely and efficiently.
Motorists have already begun to see benefits from the project, with new bridges opened at Black Hill, Tomago and Raymond Terrace, and the Masonite Road bridge at Heatherbrae opening in October. The remaining seven bridges, including the Hunter River viaduct, are set to open progressively as construction activity intensifies.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King says the milestone marked a significant step forward for a nationally important project.
“These bridge piles are the literal foundations for the nationally significant M1 extension, and getting them in place is a major step forward,” Minister King says. “This is one of the busiest sections of the Pacific Highway, and I’m pleased the Albanese and Minns Governments are working together to deliver this major improvement.”
NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison says completing the foundations brought the project firmly into its next phase.
“Driving the final pile is a powerful milestone. It means the foundations are done, and the finish line is firmly in sight,” Aitchison says. “The M1 extension to Raymond Terrace will transform travel across the Hunter, improving safety, reliability and daily journeys for thousands of motorists.”
The $2.24 billion M1 Pacific Motorway extension is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments, with the Commonwealth contributing $1.792 billion and NSW contributing $448 million. The project also includes widening the Hexham Straight, a long-recognised bottleneck for freight efficiency and network reliability.
NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley says the milestone reflects growing momentum on a project that will support the region’s continued growth.
“Completing the bridge foundations brings us another step closer to improving how people move to, from and around the region,” Catley says. “This project will improve safety, reliability and support the Hunter as it continues to grow.”