M1 Pacific Motorway upgrade now complete

The final project in a suite of upgrades to deliver safer and more efficient journeys on the M1 Pacific Motorway is now complete, with the last section between Tuggerah and Doyalson opening to three lanes today at 110 kilometres per hour.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the completion of the upgrade would mean safer and more efficient journeys for thousands of motorists.

"We have crossed the finish line on the Australian and NSW Government's $391.6 million M1 upgrade, which will help people reach their destinations sooner and safer on one of Australia's busiest roads," Mr McCormack said.

"The Kariong to Somersby section of the M1 opened to traffic three weeks ago and now we have cars travelling along all three lanes between Tuggerah and Doyalson at 110 kilometres per hour, which means motorists using one of Australia's fastest-growing corridors have the safer, free-flowing motorway they deserve.

"This important project forms part of the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government's record 10-year infrastructure plan which will be critical in helping our nation recover from the effects of COVI D -19."

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the M1 Productivity Package had created about 2700 jobs in its delivery and was part of the NSW Government's record $100 billion infrastructure pipeline.

"We are building the vital infrastructure projects that connect communities and ensure people get home sooner and safer," Mr Toole said.

"The M1 upgrades have delivered on average nearly 400 direct and indirect jobs every year since it started. About 75 per cent of the jobs on the upgrade between Tuggerah and Doyalson have gone to locals from the Central Coast and Hunter areas, which shows just how serious we are about investment in regional NSW."

Federal Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks said the upgrade would improve travel along the busy corridor for motorists commuting from key growth areas on the Central Coast.

"This is the final step forward for the entire M1 upgrade project, which will benefit local communities, freight operators and all motorists," Mrs Wicks said.

"We thank our local community for the patience they have shown while we have completed this project, which will benefit more than 70,000 motorists who use the M1 every day."

New South Wales Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and State Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the final piece of the M1 upgrade followed the Weakleys Drive and John Renshaw Drive intersection at Beresfield opening to traffic in March 2019, as well as the eight-kilometre Kariong to Somersby stretch opening last month.

"The third lane opening between Tuggerah and Doyalson means our community is reaping the full benefits of a smoother, safer and faster M1," Mr Crouch said.

"This will make a world of difference to travel times, not just on the daily commute but especially

during weekend and holiday season peaks, when we see traffic sometimes slow to a crawl along the M1."