Hexham Straight widening project to begin construction in mid-2023

Widening of Hexham Straight will soon commence works following the announcement of contractors that will undertake the construction of the project. 

Georgiou Group Pty Ltd, Daracon Contractors Pty Ltd and SMEC Australia Pty Ltd are going to work collaboratively as part of an alliance to deliver this major project in New South Wales that will improve traffic movements as well as safety for the thousands of motorists and heavy vehicles that pass through this route each day. 

“The work will be delivered as part of a collaborative alliance contract to ensure innovation, efficiency and value for money in bringing the plan to life. 

“The Hexham project is part of one of the biggest infrastructure projects for the region, which also includes extending the M1 to Raymond Terrace,” Transport for NSW Regional Director North Anna Zycki said. 

Project map (source: Transport for NSW)

The Hexham Straight Widening is part of a $2.1 billion development that will also deliver the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace project, which is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments – each contributing $1.68 billion and $420 million respectively. 

The Hexham Straight project is proposed to feature: 

• Upgrades to the six-kilometre section of the Pacific Highway between the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Hexham Bridge 
• Widening of the dual carriageway from two lanes to three lanes in each direction 
• Demolition of the existing Ironbark bridge and construction of two new bridges at Ironbark Creek 
• Minor intersection upgrades and property adjustments 
• Utility relocation 

“It will also support economic growth at key employment areas such as the Port of Newcastle and Greater Newcastle and is estimated to provide about 750 jobs over its life cycle. 

“Early works are well and truly underway with Transport for NSW carrying out field investigations to assist with the future detailed design and construction. 

“This is an exciting time for the Hunter and NSW as this project, together with the Coffs Harbour bypass, will provide the remaining major upgrades to complete a free-flowing route between Sydney and Brisbane with no traffic lights,” Ms Zycki said. 

Major works are anticipated to commence mid this year and a widened Hexham Straight is expected to open to traffic in 2026. 

Source: Transport for NSW (1, 2)