The Federal and New South Wales Governments have called for prequalified contractors to register their interest in delivering the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace project.
The Federal Government has committed $1.6 billion and the New South Wales Government $400 million to deliver both the M1 to Raymond Terrace and Hexham Straight projects, continuing the transformation of journeys between Sydney and the Queensland border.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Barnaby Joyce, said the project would deliver improved highway connections and more reliable travel times, as well as support 2,700 jobs over its life cycle.
“This game-changing project will help ease congestion for the 25,000 vehicles that use this stretch between Newcastle and Maitland every day, helping to keep freight, commuters and tourists moving,” Mr Joyce said.
New South Wales Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole, said moving a step closer to delivering the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace project was the final “missing link” in the chain between delivering smoother journeys between the Victorian and Queensland borders.
“We have already crossed the finish line on the $15 billion Pacific Highway upgrade, duplicating the 657km stretch between Hexham and the Queensland border, and are powering ahead with the 14km Coffs Harbour bypass,” Mr Toole said.
Senator for the Hunter Region, Hollie Hughes, said after early consultation with industry, the project will be delivered using two collaborative design and construct contracts.
“The project includes 15km of motorway with two lanes in each direction, and provides motorway access from the existing road network from four new interchanges at Black Hill, Tarro, Tomago and Raymond Terrace,” Ms Hughes said.
“This will provide improved access for these key employment areas with the Port of Newcastle and Greater Newcastle, delivering substantial economic benefits for the region.”
New South Wales Parliamentary Secretary for Hunter, Taylor Martin, said the project will be a gamechanger for local communities, for freight, and for tourists.
“Discussions with the construction industry were held as part of the Market Interaction Process, which provided valuable insights into the views of the industry and helped to determine the best delivery approach for the project,” Mr Martin said.
“Transport for New South Wales will work with short-listed tenderers, and then the successful contractors, to consider and incorporate innovations proposed by industry, ensuring value for money delivery of the project benefits.”
More information including videos and maps is available at https://roads-waterways.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/raymond-terrace-upgrade/index.html.
