Several community drop-in sessions will take place this month to allow residents to provide feedback on a new 2.6-kilometre viaduct over the Hunter River.

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and John Holland Gamuda Joint Venture are working together to deliver the southern contract section from Black Hill to Tomago, as part of the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace, which incorporates a structure over the waterway and surrounding flood plain.

To complete the project, two alternative construction options will be considered.

“We know the community has concerns about impacts to the Hunter River and potential flood impacts on their properties,” Transport for NSW regional director north Anna Zycki said.

“That’s why we want to sit down with residents to hear from them and speak to them individually about this part of the project.

“Both parties are keen to listen to their feedback about the choices.”

Ms Zycki admitted the option approved in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) involved using small rock jetties and large barges in the Hunter River, which necessitated dredging.

“The barges would be used to transport and allow piling rigs, cranes and concrete pumps to work over water while secondary barges would support construction and help supply materials, removing spoil and piling activities,” she said.

“The alternative option being considered involves using a temporary rock platform in the Hunter River.

“That would be utilised in two separate stages – starting with a platform up to 180 metres constructed from the western side of the river.

“Once that work is complete, the rock material would be removed and relocated to the eastern side of the river to allow crews to complete the viaduct construction.

“Following completion, the rock platform would be removed.

“This will reduce construction duration and therefore the time of impact on the Hunter River.”

In the meantime, five drop-in sessions are scheduled.

They’ll will provide a chance for people to meet members of the project team – including flood specialists, environmental and construction personnel – and gain answers to their questions relating to flood management measures during construction.

Community drop-in sessions:  

• Millers Forest Popular Hall: 105 Scotch Creek Road, Millers Forest – Wednesday 24 July from 6pm to 9pm and Thursday 25 July from 10am to 1pm
• Raymond Terrace Senior Citizens Hall: 17E Irrawang St, Raymond Terrace – Thursday 25 July from 6pm to 9pm and Friday 26 July from 1pm to 4pm
• John Holland Gamuda site compound: Aurizon Road, Tarro – Saturday 27 July from 10am to 2pm

The project team will also send letters and contact all potentially impacted property owners over the coming weeks to discuss how the alternative construction option may impact their land and potential mitigation measures that may be available to them.

The M1 extension includes upgrades to the surrounding network, such as the Hexham Straight Widening, and is funded by the Australian and NSW governments.

It will feature a 15-kilometre extension of the motorway, removing five sets of traffic lights and cutting nine minutes from travel times during peak periods. 

There will be new interchanges at Black Hill, Tarro, Tomago and Raymond Terrace; and a 2.6-kilometre viaduct over the Hunter River and floodplain, the Main North Rail Line, and the New England Highway. 

The M1 extension to Raymond Terrace is expected to be open to traffic in 2028. 

To have your say, visit https://caportal.com.au/tfnsw/m1rt/community-information-sessions.

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