Contractors appointed for $2.1bn M1 Pacific Motorway extension project

Major construction on New South Wales’ $2.1 billion M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace is a step closer to beginning following the announcement of the preferred contractors for the southern and northern sections of the project in December 2022. 

“The M1 extension to Raymond Terrace will transform travel in this region by freeing up 25,000 vehicles away from key congestion areas, saving motorists around nine minutes off their trip. 

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is securing a brighter future for NSW families by investing in infrastructure that matters to make daily life easier,” NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Sam Farraway said. 

Artist impression of Tomago interchange (source: NSW Government)

The John Holland/Gamuda Joint Venture has been awarded the contract for the southern section that includes building a 10-kilmetre section of the motorway that extends from Black Hill to Tomago. 

On the other hand, Seymour Whyte has been appointed to undertake the northern section of the development which involves the construction of a five-kilometre stretch of road that bypasses Heatherbrae. 

“This is a landmark day for the Hunter, locking in the companies that would build one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the region’s history. 

“The NSW Minister for Planning has given the tick of approval for this project, and we expect the Australian Government to provide planning approval early next year. 

“Once this is in place we can hit the ground running, as early works are on schedule and major construction is on track to fire up by mid-next year,” State Member for the Upper Hunter Dave Layzell said. 

The M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace is being delivered with two collaborative design and construct contracts, ensuring the project is built with innovation, efficiency and value for money. 

The $2.1 billion development is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments on an 80:20 basis. 

“The Australian Government is partnering with states and territories across the country to deliver the projects that matter. 

“This project will deliver local jobs in construction while ensuring a safer, faster commute for locals. 

“I look forward to seeing major works getting underway and the benefits flowing,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

Artist impression of Old Punt Road at Tomago (source: NSW Government)

The overall project will feature: 

• 15 kilometres of dual carriageway motorway with two lanes in each direction, bypassing Hexam and Heatherbrae 
• Interchanges at Black Hill, Tarro, Tomago, and Raymond Terrace 
• A 2.6-kilometre bridge over Woodlands Close, the Main Northern Railway, New England Highway and Hunter River 
• Minimum flood immunity along the new roadway for a one in 20-year event 

The M1 extension is due to open to traffic in mid-2028. 

“The M1 at Hexam is the last bottle neck on the Pacific Highway between Sydney and Brisbane. This critical work will ensure thousands of vehicles keep moving, not only North/South but also locals travelling back and forth from Maitland and Newcastle. 

“I’m glad this project will streamline the flow of traffic for both daily and seasonal motorists. 

“This has been a key priority for me since my election in 2016, and I’m delighted that both Federal and State Governments are working with me to complete the job so locals across the Hunter can see an end to the chaos and daily delays,” Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson said. 

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