The M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace will transform the Hunter, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Shovels have been put in the ground and the foundations laid for the transformative and vital $2.1 billion project.
The 15km stretch of thoroughfare is expected to bypass five sets of traffic lights and remove about 25,000 vehicles a day from key congestion and merge points between Newcastle and Maitland.
All up, it’ll save nine minutes in travel time and alleviate severe congestion, which occurs during holiday periods.
Mr Albanese and Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King joined Paterson MP Meryl Swanson, Hunter MP Dan Repacholi, Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison, Port Stephens MP Kate Washington and Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley to inspect progress at the site on Tuesday 16 January.
“It’s so exciting to stand alongside the NSW Government and see shovels in the ground for a project that will be a huge benefit to travellers and truck drivers but also to local families,” he said.
“This upgrade means quicker travel times between Sydney and Brisbane, too.
“Most importantly, it will create a safer route going up and down the east coast.”
The M1 Pacific Motorway extension, which includes enhancements to the surrounding network such as the Hexham Straight widening, is funded by both levels of government.
Federally, $1.68 billion was committed to the venture, with NSW chipping in $420 million.
It will also deliver a 2.6-kilometre viaduct over the Hunter River and floodplain, the Main North Rail Line and the New England Highway, as well as new bridge crossings over local waterways at Tarro and Raymond Terrace, and an overpass for Masonite Road at Heatherbrae.
“This project, together with the Coffs Harbour bypass, provides the remaining major upgrades to complete a free-flowing dual carriageway route between Sydney and Brisbane,” Ms King said.
“I’m delighted that both the Australian and NSW governments are working together to complete the job so locals across the Hunter can see an end to the traffic chaos and daily delays.”
Ms Catley echoed that sentiment.
“Not only will the M1 extension improve congestion and save travel time, but hundreds of good jobs will be created throughout construction,” she added.
Ms Aitchison also praised its fiscal benefits.
“This offers a welcome boost to the economy by supporting up to 2,700 direct and indirect jobs during construction and will transform the way people move to and from, and through, the region,” the NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister said.
“More than $3 billion of road projects are being funded by the Australian and NSW governments across the Hunter at the moment.
“This not only boosts the regional, state and federal economy but will improve safety and efficiency for all motorists.”
The Hunter undertaking is one of two remaining locations on the east coast corridor where the route is an urban road with traffic lights – the other being at Coffs Harbour.
The M1 Pacific Motorway extension at Raymond Terrace should open to traffic in 2028.
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