Construction has accelerated on the M1 Pacific Motorway extension after bridge foundation works were completed.
Crews have driven 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 region’s most significant road projects.
Since February 2024, project teams have installed 278 bridge piles along the 15-kilometre corridor, including 173 piles for the 2.6-kilometre viaduct that will span the Hunter River and surrounding floodplain.
Sixteen of the piles were installed directly into the riverbed using heavy-lift barges in a complex operation delivered safely and efficiently.
Motorists have already begun to see benefits, with new bridges opening at Black Hill, Tomago and Raymond Terrace, along with the Masonite Road bridge at Heatherbrae, which opened in October.
The remaining seven bridges, including the Hunter River viaduct, are set to open progressively as construction continues.
The $2.24 billion M1 extension is jointly funded by the Federal and NSW governments, contributing $1.792 billion and $448 million respectively. The project also includes the Hexham Straight widening, aimed at delivering safer, faster and more reliable journeys across the Hunter.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said the bridge piles formed the “literal foundations” of the nationally significant project.
“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,” King said.
NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said completing the foundations marked a turning point for the project.
“Driving the final pile is a powerful milestone – it means the foundations are done and the finish line is firmly in sight,” Aitchison said.
“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, said the milestone brought the region closer to better transport connections.
“Completing the bridge foundations brings us another step closer to improving how people move to, from and around the region,” Catley said.
