The opening of the M1 Pacific Motorway extension marks a major milestone for the Hunter, closing a missing link in the Sydney to Brisbane economic corridor and strengthening one of Australia’s most important freight routes.
The M1 Pacific Motorway extension and Hexham Straight widening projects were jointly funded with a total investment of $2.24 billion – $1.79 billion from the Albanese Government and $448 million from the Minns Government.
After years of planning and construction, the M1 extension will become part of everyday life across the Hunter, supporting safer and more reliable movement of people and freight.
The extension will improve access to jobs, businesses, communities and major regional infrastructure, including Newcastle Airport and the Port of Newcastle.
It will also take pressure off the existing road network, cutting travel times by 7 to 9 minutes during peak hours and removing up to 25,000 vehicles a day from local streets.
Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese said the federal government had invested almost $1.8 billion in the project.
“It means motorists will be able to travel from Melbourne all the way to Coffs Harbour without hitting a single traffic light or roundabout and we’re getting on with finishing the Coffs Harbour Bypass too,” said Albanese.
“This is what investing in infrastructure is all about. We’re cutting travel times, getting trucks and freight moving and building for the future.”
For freight, the new extension means a faster and more reliable connection through the Hunter and along the Sydney to Brisbane corridor.
The motorway will provide a direct connection between the M1 at Black Hill and Raymond Terrace, improving connections to jobs, businesses, communities and major regional infrastructure, including Newcastle Airport and the Port of Newcastle.
“This project has been a mammoth undertaking, and I want to acknowledge the hundreds of local workers who have helped deliver this important connection for the Hunter,” said the Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns.
“This is about more than infrastructure. It’s about backing the Hunter and ensuring this great part of our state remains open for business.”
