The start of major construction for the new M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace is edging closer, with the Australian and NSW governments announcing John Holland/ Gamuda Joint Venture and Seymour Whyte Constructions as the successful contractors to carry out the design and build for the southern and northern sections.
John Holland/ Gamuda Joint Venture will build the 10-kilometre southern section that extends from Black Hill to Tomago, and Seymour Whyte Constructions will build the five-kilometre northern section that bypasses Heatherbrae.
The project is being delivered using two collaborative design and construct contracts to ensure innovation, efficiency and value for money in bringing this extension to life.
The Australian and NSW governments are jointly funding the $2.1 billion M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace project on an 80:20 basis.
The extension is expected to be open to traffic in mid-2028.
NSW Nationals Regional Transport and Roads Minister Sam Farraway said the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace will transform travel in the region by freeing up 25,000 vehicles away from key congestion areas, saving motorists around nine minutes off their trip.
"This is an exciting time for the Hunter and NSW as this project, together with the Coffs Harbour bypass, will provide the remaining major upgrades to complete a free-flowing route between Sydney and Brisbane with no traffic lights, making getting from A to B easier for motorists.
"The NSW Government is securing a brighter future for NSW families by investing in infrastructure that matters to make daily life easier.
"We delivered the duplication of the Pacific Highway and now we're delivering the final piece of the puzzle, which will take travelling in NSW forward."
NSW Nationals MP for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell said this is a landmark day for the Hunter, with the locking in of companies that will build one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the region's history.
"The 15-kilometre, four-lane extension from Black Hill to Raymond Terrace is set to boost the Hunter region, no more bumper-to-bumper traffic queues, mums and dads taking the kids on a holiday road trip can do so at ease," Mr Layzell said.
"The NSW Minister for Planning has given the tick of approval for this project, and we expect the Australian Government to provide planning approval early next year.
"Once this is in place we can hit the ground running, as early works are on schedule and major construction is on track to fire up by mid-next year."
