Major construction progressing well on M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace

Construction of the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace is progressing well, marking a new significant milestone with the successful lifting of the first girders at the northern interchange on the Heatherbrae Bypass. 

The overbridge at the northern interchange will provide a main direct access off the M1 Pacific Motorway to the Pacific Highway as well as the townships of Heatherbrae and Raymond Terrace. 

“This is an exciting step forward for the M1 Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace project. 

“Once complete, 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. 

“The Australian and NSW Governments are proud to be working together to deliver the ‘missing link’ and strengthening our road network across the nation,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

Artist impression of the bridge over Windeyers Creek (source: Transport for NSW)

Once the interchange is completed, it will provide southbound motorists with an option to continue into Heatherbrae by using the local road network or take the new motorway across Windeyers Creek bypassing Heatherbrae. 

Works to deliver the new overbridge included geotechnical investigations, relocation of utilities, drainage, earthworks, bridge substructure and superstructure, and pavement works. 

The construction crew has already lifted 62 of the 827 bridge girders into place across the project corridor. More than 70 per cent of the Heatherbrae Bypass workforce was sourced from the Hunter Region, including 38 apprentices and 12 trainees. 

“It’s great to see the progress being made on the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace. 

“Once complete, this project will be a huge time saver for locals and visitors traveling in and around Port Stephens. 

“The Heatherbrae Bypass will reduce traffic on our local roads, making them safer for everyone,” State Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said. 

Artist impression of the Raymond Terrace interchange (source: Transport for NSW)

The $2.1 billion M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments, each contributing $1.68 billion and $420 million respectively. This investment will also deliver the Hexham Straight widening project. 

Key features of this project include 15 kilometres of dual carriageway with two lanes in each direction, bypassing Hexham 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; and new bridges over local waterways at Tarro and Raymond Terrace as well as an overpass for Masonite Road at Heatherbrae. 

The M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace is expected to be completed in 2028, supporting approximately 2,700 jobs during its construction. 

“This is great news for the 48,000 motorists from across NSW who travel on the notorious bottleneck on the Pacific Highway at Hexham. 

“Combined with the Hexham Straight Widening project, this will significantly improve journeys for local motorists, visitors and the freight industry. 

“The Australian and NSW Governments are delivering legacy infrastructure which will cater to the needs of our great state in the decades ahead,” NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said. 

“This is a vital missing link that I have pushed the Federal Government to support since 2016 and has been accelerated under the Albanese and Minns Governments. 

“The M1 extension to Raymond Terrace will transform travel in this region by removing up to 25,000 vehicles a day away from key congestion areas, saving motorists around nine minutes off their trip,” Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson said. 

Two contractors have been apppinted to undertake the delivery of the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace. The John Holland Gamuda Joint Venture will be carrying out works on the southern section while Seymour Whyte is building the northern section of the project. You can read more about the details here.

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Transport for NSW (1, 2, 3); Roads & Infrastructure Australia