The M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace is now expected to open to traffic in late 2026… more than a year ahead of schedule.
It follows the completion of the northern section, the five-kilometre Heatherbrae Bypass.
The finishing touches have also been added to the Raymond Terrace interchange, the Masonite Road overpass and a major bridge crossing at Windeyers Creek.
“It’s a big day for one of the largest infrastructure projects in the Hunter’s history,” federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said.
“The holiday traffic we’re seeing on the existing highway right now is a great reminder as to why this undertaking is vital.
“Nearly 25,000 vehicles use this road on a normal day, with that number swelling during the school breaks.”
The $2.24 billion M1 Pacific Motorway extension and Hexham Straight widening projects are jointly-funded, with the Commonwealth investing $1.792 billion and the state contributing $448 million.
However, the completion of the Heatherbrae Bypass means that section is “ready to go”.
It’ll be operational as soon as work on the 10-kilometre southern stretch, from Black Hill to Tomago is complete later this year.
“This milestone moment on the Heatherbrae Bypass is a clear sign we are one step closer on completing this project for our community,” Paterson MP Meryl Swanson said.
“I committed to delivering the M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace.
“So, it’s been incredibly rewarding to watch it take shape.
“Seeing it power ahead of schedule is a testament to the hard work behind the scenes – and it means the Hunter will benefit from this vital infrastructure sooner.”
NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison thanked the “incredible crew” on the ground.
“Seeing a project of this scale moving more than a year ahead of schedule doesn’t happen by chance,” she said.
“So, everyone involved in delivering this phase deserves plenty of praise.
“The completion of the Heatherbrae Bypass is the result of detailed planning, smart construction sequencing and a strong partnership between Transport for NSW and its industry partners.
“The project’s now progressing ahead of the previously expected 2028 completion, with the full motorway on track to open in late 2026.
“Reaching this milestone with the northern section, including the Heatherbrae Bypass, shows just how much progress is being made and brings us one step closer to delivering a fully-connected motorway.”
Following opening, contractors will remain on site to monitor how the new road adjusts to carrying highway traffic, undertake landscaping establishment and targeted maintenance as required – for up to two years on the southern section and 12 months on the northern.
The project’s early delivery is helping to bring forward the benefits for motorists travelling to, from and around the Hunter.
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