Motorists and the Hunter can finally say goodbye to the infamous Hexham bottleneck, with the long-awaited widening and higher speed limits now complete.
From today, motorists can now travel on three lanes in each direction, along the full six-kilometre stretch. The speed limit has been increased to 80 kilometres per hour - marking a significant boost to traffic flow through one of the region's busiest corridors. The opening of the full corridor marks a long-awaited milestone for the thousands of motorists who rely on this corridor every day.
The M1 to Raymond Terrace extension and Hexham Straight Widening is one of the largest transport infrastructure commitments in the region's history.
The Albanese Government is contributing over $1.79 billion towards the project, with the Minns Labor Government contributing $448 million.
The completed project includes new twin bridges over Ironbark Creek to support the widened roadway, upgraded and modernised traffic lights at the intersection of the bypass and Old Maitland Road, a new U-turn facility, and improved pedestrian crossings and bus stops in front of St Joseph's Calvary Aged Care.
This will deliver more reliable travel times for freight and improve safety for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians.
All lanes are now open to traffic, with teams carrying out minor finishing work across the project including landscaping and signage.
These finishing works will include upgrades to the reserve along the Hunter River, Foreshore Park, comprising of upgraded parking, seating and information signage that shares the cultural heritage of the area from an Indigenous perspective.
Quotes attributed to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King:
"I'm thrilled to announce the completion of the long-awaited Hexham Straight Widening project.
"This project is delivering real benefits for people in the Hunter including safer journeys and improved travel times.
"The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are proud to be working together in delivering for the Hunter - not only through this project but also the broader M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace, the Singleton Bypass, and plans for the Muswellbrook Bypass and the westbound flyover at Maitland."
Quotes attributed to NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:
"Like so many people across the Hunter, I've sat in traffic at Hexham frustrated at the crawling speed and bottlenecks.
"I know firsthand how disruptive and exhausting those delays have been for commuters, families and freight operators. Today, that changes.
"With three lanes now open in each direction and the speed limit increased to 80km/h, motorists will see real improvements in travel times and reliability along this critical corridor.
"This is a fantastic outcome for our region and a genuine game-changer for the Hunter. It will improve travel times, strengthen freight productivity and play a major role in keeping our region moving as it continues to grow."
Quotes attributed to NSW Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:
"This is a landmark day for Hunter motorists and any driver who relies on this critical corridor. After years of delays and frustration, we can finally say the Hexham bottleneck is cleared.
"With three lanes now open in each direction and traffic moving more freely, this is about cutting congestion, improving reliability and giving people back precious time every single day.
"The Hunter deserves infrastructure that matches our ambition, and today's milestone shows what can be achieved when we back our region and deliver."
Quotes attributed to Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon:
"This completion of the Hexham Straight widening is a milestone moment for our region and the more than 50,000 motorists who travel this stretch of road every single day.
"For too long, Hexham straight has been a notorious bottleneck. Today, we are opening a safer, smoother, and more efficient journey for commuters.
"This project is a great example of how government investment in infrastructure can change lives and support local economies - reducing congestion, cutting travel times, boosting road safety, and unlocking freight routes."
Quotes attributable to NSW Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp:
"We have already seen the benefits for local motorists and freight operators with the progressive opening of lanes on the Hexham Straight.
"This project is a gamechanger for the 50,000 motorists who use this section of the highway daily.
"This is just the first in a suite of projects in the Hunter which will improve safety, congestion and connectivity for local motorists, visitors and freight operators."
Quotes attributable to NSW Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery:
"Hexham has been a daily frustration for so many people in the community. Whether you're heading to work, picking up the kids or moving freight through the Hunter, the bottleneck here has cost people time and added unnecessary stress.
"This project will make a real difference to the way our region runs. It improves safety, reduces congestion and helps keep Newcastle and the broader Hunter moving as our community continues to grow.
"Locals have been waiting a long time for this, and it's fantastic to see it delivered."
