The Albanese and Minns Governments are forging ahead with one of the Hunter's most significant infrastructure projects, with the final girders now in place on the new northbound bridge over Ironbark Creek (Toohrnbing) on the Hexham Straight Widening.
A total of 65 girders have been lifted into place by a 400-tonne crane. Each girder weighs around 20 tonnes - equivalent to the weight of 10 family cars - and forms the foundation of the new threelane northbound bridge.
The Hexham Straight upgrade is a key part of the $2.2 billion M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments.
With around 50,000 vehicles using this stretch of road each day, the project aims to relieve congestion, improve safety and provide more reliable travel for both commuters and freight operators.
Transport for NSW and its delivery partners - an alliance of Georgiou, Daracon Contractors and SMEC - are now focused on completing the bridge deck, installing barriers and progressing final road surfacing.
The new northbound bridge is expected to open to traffic by early 2026, weather permitting.
This six-kilometre upgrade between the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Hexham Bridge will see the current two-lane dual carriageway widened to three lanes in each direction, removing a wellknown bottleneck and helping to future-proof the region's road network.
Motorists are already seeing the transformation take shape, and more changes will become visible as construction continues. Some temporary lane closures and speed reductions will be required at times, with updates available through Live Traffic NSW.
The M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace includes the Hexham Straight Widening and is being delivered with $1.8 billion from the Australian Government and $448 million from the NSW Government. The entire upgrade is expected to open to traffic in 2026.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison:
"There will be no sub-par work on this project. This is one of the most important road corridors in the Hunter, and we are building infrastructure that will last - not just for today, but for decades to come.
"In the 1870's, the first timber truss bridge was opened over Ironbark Creek, connecting Newcastle to Maitland.
"Now we're seeing the final girder placed on a brand new, modern bridge that will carry this connection forward for generations."
Quotes attributable to Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:
"This is an exciting step forward on one of Newcastle and the Hunter's most critical road projects.
"Once complete, this upgrade will make trips faster, safer, and more reliable for the more than 50,000 motorists who use this stretch every day.
"We're delivering real progress on this long-awaited project, and this milestone brings us another step closer to the finish line."
Quotes attributable to Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson:
"The final girder lift is a major step forward for the Hexham Straight upgrade - a project that will ease congestion, improve safety, and support local jobs right here in our region.
"I'm proud to see this progress delivered thanks to a strong collaboration between the Australian and NSW Governments. With $1.8 billion in federal funding, the M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace project is a major investment in our region's future - and the Hexham Straight Widening is a critical step towards its completion.
"A big thank you to all the commuters for your patience during construction, and to the incredible roadworkers and project teams for their hard work in making the Hexham Straight Widening a reality."
Quotes attributable to Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp:
"It's fantastic to see the Hexham Straight Widening project ticking off another significant milestone.
"Motorists will be able to see the bridge come together before their very eyes over the next few months as our teams continue carrying out this important upgrade."
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery:
"A big well done to the Hexham Straight Widening team who have worked tirelessly on upgrading this important stretch of the Pacific Highway.
"Once complete, this project will improve traffic flow for motorists and freight which mean safer journeys and more reliable travel times."
