The M1 Pacific Motorway extension has reached a major construction milestone, with crews completing foundation works for 11 new bridges between Black Hill and Raymond Terrace.
The final bridge pile has now been driven, clearing the way for the next phase of high-intensity construction on one of the Hunter region’s most significant road infrastructure projects.
Since February 2024, project teams have installed 278 bridge piles along the 15 kilometre corridor. This includes 173 piles for the 2.6 kilometre viaduct that will span the Hunter River and its surrounding floodplain. Sixteen of those piles were installed directly into the riverbed using heavy lift barges, a complex operation delivered safely and efficiently.
Motorists have already seen benefits from the project, with new bridges opening at Black Hill, Tomago and Raymond Terrace over the summer period. The Masonite Road bridge at Heatherbrae opened in October, easing local movements through the area. The remaining seven bridges, including the Hunter River viaduct, are expected to open progressively as construction accelerates.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King says the milestone represents tangible progress on a nationally significant project. “These bridge piles are the literal foundations for the nationally significant M1 extension and getting them in place is a major step forward,” she says.
NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison says completing the foundations brings the project closer to completion. “Driving the final pile is a powerful milestone, it means the foundations are done and the finish line is firmly in sight,” she says.
The $2.24 billion project is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW governments and will also deliver the long-awaited Hexham Straight widening. Once complete, the extension is expected to improve safety, reliability and freight efficiency, while easing congestion on one of the busiest transport corridors in the Hunter.
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