EOIs underway for works on M1 Pacific Motorway extension in NSW

The proposed M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace in New South Wales has reached a major milestone with Expressions of Interest (EOIs) commencing for two work packages. 

The entire project will include the delivery of a 15-kilometre dual carriageway along with new interchanges, bridges and works to improve flood immunity along the route. 

This M1 extension project is going to be delivered through two packages, namely the Black Hill to Tomago Package (Southern Package) and the Heatherbrae Bypass Package (Northern Package). 

Submissions for the EOIs for the two work packages are open until 22nd October. More information on the EOIs can be found on the NSW Government eTendering website here and here. 

Proposed alignment (source: Transport for NSW)

The Black Hill to Tomago Package will include: 

• A 10-kilometre dual carriageway motorway link between the M1 Motorway at Baresfield and Tomago 

• Major interchanges at Black Hill, Tarro and Tomago 

• Construction of nine bridges including a viaduct about 2.6 kilometres long across the Hunter River and floodplain 

On the other hand, the Heatherbrae Bypass Package will include: 

• A five-kilometre dual carriageway motorway link between Tomago and the M1 Pacific Motorway at Raymond Terrace 

• An interchange at Raymond Terrace 

• Construction of three bridges including one over the M1 mainline at Masonite Road, one over Windeyers Creek and one over the Pacific Motorway for the off ramp at Raymond Terrace 

Once completed, the project will provide a better connection between the M1 Pacific Motorway and the Pacific Highway as well as improve traffic flow, safety and accessibility for all motorists passing through this corridor. 

The $2 billion M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments, each contributing $1.6 billion and $412 million respectively. 

According to the project update released in July of this year, construction is estimated to take up to four years to complete. Major construction works are expected to commence in 2024 and completed in 2028. 

Source: Transport for NSW; Australia New Zealand Infrastructure Pipeline; NSW Government – eTendering (1, 2)