Construction begins on $2.1bn M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace

The $2.1 billion M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace is now under construction, with shovels on the ground and the foundations for the project already laid. 

This project that will fix the ‘missing link’ on the M1 Pacific Motorway is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments, each contributing $1.68 billion and $420 million respectively. This significant investment will also deliver the Hexham Straight widening project. 

“It’s so exciting to stand alongside the NSW Government and see shovels in the ground for a project which will be a huge benefit to travellers and truck drivers, but also to Hunter Valley families. 

“All over Australia, my Government is building stronger foundations for a better future. 

“This upgrade will mean quicker travel times between Sydney and Brisbane, but most importantly – safer travel for families and workers who use this route going up and down the east coast,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. 

Key features of the project include 15 kilometres of dual carriageway that will have motorway access from the existing road network from four new interchanges at Black Hill, Tarro, Tomago and Raymond Terrace. 

A 2.6-kilometre viaduct will also be built over the Hunter River and floodplain, the Main North Rail Line and the New England Highway. In addition, new bridge crossings will be constructed over local waterways at Tarro and Raymond Terrace along with an overpass for Masonite Road and Heatherbrae. 

“The NSW Government is proud to partner with the Commonwealth to deliver this vital infrastructure which will improve reliability and efficiency for those travelling across our state, particularly in the Hunter region. 

“Not only will this provide smoother journeys for drivers in the area, but it will also boost economic activity and provide local jobs,” Premier Chris Minns said. 

Artist impression of Tomago interchange (source: NSW Government)

The M1 Pacific Motorway is one of two remaining locations on the east coast corridor that still has an urban road with traffic lights – the other being at Coffs Harbour where work on a new bypass is also well underway and due to be completed in 2027. 

The M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace is anticipated to open to traffic in 2028. 

“This project, together with the Coffs Harbour bypass, will provide the remaining major upgrades to complete a free-flowing dual carriageway route between Sydney and Brisbane. 

“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,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

Once completed, the M1 extension will help remove up to 25,000 vehicles each day from key congestion and merge points along this vital corridor, helping keep freight, commuters and tourists moving. 

The project is estimated to create up to 2,700 direct and indirect jobs during its construction phase. 

“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 our local and regional communities and all motorists,” NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said. 

“This project will transform our region. 

“Not only will the M1 extension improve congestion and save travel time, but hundreds of good jobs will be created throughout construction,” Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley MP said. 

Source: Transport for NSW; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; NSW Government – M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace (1, 2); Roads & Infrastructure Australia; Infrastructure Magazine