One of the Hunter's biggest ever infrastructure projects, the M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace, is a step closer to reality, with the shortlist of companies to be invited to tender for construction announced today.
At the same time, Registrations of Interest are now being called from pre-qualified contractors to widen Hexham Straight as part of M1 extension.
The M1 extension to Raymond Terrace is a transformational project for the Hunter. The 15-kilometre extension includes a four-lane divided motorway with two lanes in each direction and new interchanges at Black Hill, Tarro, Tomago and Raymond Terrace.
It will improve the connection between Newcastle and the New England Highway, M1 Motorway and the Pacific Highway, enhancing safety and traffic flow for the 50,000 motorists who travel this route every day.
The project will also deliver an important economic boost to the Hunter region, supporting around 2,700 jobs during construction and creating opportunities for local businesses.
The Australian ($1.68 billion) and NSW ($420 million) governments have committed $2.1 billion towards the extension of the M1 Pacific Motorway to Raymond Terrace and the Hexham Straight Widening.
M1 extension to Raymond Terrace
The M1 extension is being built under two collaborative design and construction contracts.
For the southern, 10-kilometre Black Hill to Tomago section, CPB Contractors, Acciona Infrastructure Australia, and the John Holland/ Gamuda (Australia) Branch Joint Venture have been selected to take part in the tender process.
For the northern, five-kilometre Heatherbrae Bypass section, Seymour Whyte Constructions and BMD Constructions have been selected to take part in the tender process.
Both contracts are expected to be awarded by the end of 2022.
