Significant milestone reached on M1 Pacific Motorway extension project

The M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace project in New South Wales has reached a significant milestone with the final pile driven to complete foundation works on the 11 new bridges being built between Black Holl and Raymond Terrace. 

This paves the way for the next phase of high-intensity construction activities on one of the most important road developments in the Hunter region. 

Crews have installed 278 bridge piles across the 15-kilometre project corridor since February 2024, including 173 piles for the 2.6-kilometre viaduct that will span the Hunter River and surrounding floodplain. 

There were also 16 piles installed directly into the riverbed using heavy lift barges, which was a complex operation delivered safely and efficiently. 

“These bridge piles are the literal foundations for the nationally significant M1 extension and getting them in place is a major step forward. 

This is one of the busiest sections of the Pacific Highway, and I’m pleased the Albanese and Minns Governments are working together to deliver this major improvement,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

“Driving the final pile is a powerful milestone – it means the foundations are done and the finish line is firmly in sight. 

“Along with the Coffs Harbour Bypass, this is a nation changing piece of infrastructure, and the missing link between Queensland and Victoria – which enables everyone to drive between these two states without passing through a single traffic light. 

“The M1 extension to Raymond Terrace will transform travel across the Hunter, improving safety, reliability and daily journeys for thousands of motorists,” NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said. 

“This is an important milestone for the Hunter. 

“Completing the bridge foundations brings us another step closer to improving how people move to, from and around the region. 

“By working in partnership with the Albanese Government, we’re delivering infrastructure that improves safety, reliability and supports the Hunter as it continues to grow,” State Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said. 

Throughout the summer period, motorists have benefited from the new bridges that opened at Black Hill, Tomago and Raymond Terrace as well as the Masonite Road bridge at Heatherbrae that opened in October. 

The remaining seven bridges, including the Hunter River viaduct, will open progressively as construction continues to ramp up. 

The $2.24 billion M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace project is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments, each contributing $1.792 billion and $448 million respectively. 

This project is delivering 15 kilometres of dual carriageway alongside motorway access from the existing road network from four new interchanges at Black Hill, Tarro, Tomago and Raymond Terrace. A 2.6-kilometre viaduct is also being built over the Hunter River and floodplain, the Main North Rail Line, and the New England Highway as well as new bridge crossings over local waterways at Tarro and Raymond Terrace, and an overpass for Masonite Road at Heatherbrae. 

This project is also delivering the critical Hexham Straight widening that will unlock safer, faster and more reliable journeys across the Hunter region. 

This multi-billion-dollar development is creating and supporting up to 2,700 jobs. 

“These bridge foundations will stand for decades, supporting transport infrastructure and easing congestion for now and well into the future. 

“The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are investing in our fast growing region to ensure the M1 Extension delivers lasting benefits for our local communities,” Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson said. 

“The M1 extension is critical to keeping Newcastle and the Hunter moving. 

“Anyone who’s spent time sitting in traffic at Hexham over these summer holidays or any other day, knowing just how frustrating this bottleneck is for families and commuters. 

“Today’s milestone shows real progress – delivering congestion, relief, better freight efficiency and stronger connections for our region,” Federal Member for Newcastle Sharin Claydon said. 

“This is a huge win for the Hunter workforce and local businesses. 

“Completing bridge foundations keeps momentum strong and brings us closer to an M1 extension that will support jobs, productivity and safer travel across the region,” State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said. 

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