The M1 Pacific Motorway extension has hit a significant construction milestone, with crews driving the final pile to complete foundation works for 11 new bridges between Black Hill and Raymond Terrace.
The milestone clears the way for the next phase of high-intensity construction on one of the Hunter’s most important road projects.
Since February 2024, project teams have installed 278 bridge piles across the 15-kilometre corridor, including 173 piles for the 2.6-kilometre viaduct that will span the Hunter River and surrounding floodplain.
Sixteen piles were installed directly into the riverbed using heavy-lift barges – a complex operation delivered safely and efficiently.
Motorists have already benefited throughout the busy summer period, after new bridges opened at Black Hill, Tomago and Raymond Terrace, and the Masonite Road bridge at Heatherbrae opened in October.
The remaining seven bridges, including the Hunter River viaduct, will open progressively as construction gathers pace.
The $2.24 billion M1 extension project, jointly funded by the Federal Albanese and the NSW Minns Labor Governments, with the Commonwealth contributing $1.792 billion, and NSW contributing $448 million. The project will also deliver the critical Hexham Straight widening, unlocking safer, faster and more reliable journeys across the Hunter.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
These bridge piles are the literal foundations for the nationally significant M1 extension and getting them in place is a major step forward.
This is one of the busiest sections of the Pacific Highway, and I’m pleased the Albanese and Minns Governments are working together to deliver this major improvement.”
NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison:
Driving the final pile is a powerful milestone – it means the foundations are done and the finish line is firmly in sight.
Along with the Coffs Harbour Bypass, this is a nation-changing piece of infrastructure, and the missing link between Queensland and Victoria – which enable everyone to drive between these two states without passing through a single traffic light.
The M1 extension to Raymond Terrace will transform travel across the Hunter, improving safety, reliability and daily journeys for thousands of motorists.”
NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley:
This is an important milestone for the Hunter. Completing the bridge foundations brings us another step closer to improving how people move to, from and around the region.
By working in partnership with the Albanese Government, we’re delivering infrastructure that improves safety, reliability and supports the Hunter as it continues to grow.”
Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson:
These bridge foundations will stand for decades, supporting transport infrastructure and easing congestion for now and well into the future.
The Albanese and Minns Labor Government are investing in our fast-growing region to ensure the M1 Extension delivers lasting benefits for our local communities.”
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:
The M1 extension is critical to keeping Newcastle and the Hunter moving.
Anyone who’s spent time sitting in traffic at Hexham over this summer holiday, or any other day, knows just how frustrating this bottleneck is for families and commuters.
Today’s milestone shows real progress – delivering congestion relief, better freight efficiency and stronger connections for our region.”
the State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery:
This is a huge win for the Hunter workforce and local businesses.
Completing bridge foundations keeps momentum strong and brings us closer to an M1 extension that will support jobs, productivity and safer travel across the region.”