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M1 Motorway Heatherbrae and Hexham Bypass Reaches New Milestone


Asphalt Paving services in Newcastle NSW | Hexham Bypass on M1 Motorway
Design and Landscape Plan


If you've traveled north from Sydney recently, you may have noticed significant construction works taking shape just beyond Newcastle in New South Wales. This major undertaking is part of the long-awaited M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace, which includes the transformative Hexham and Heatherbrae Bypass. Designed to streamline one of the busiest travel corridors in New South Wales, this project is set to revolutionise how people and goods move between the Hunter region and the northern areas of the state.


The works are hard to miss. Heavy machinery, towering bridge structures, and teams of workers signal the scale of this ambitious infrastructure project. The bypass aims to address notorious bottlenecks at Hexham and Heatherbrae, which have long plagued drivers with congestion and delays. Once completed, the bypass will offer a faster, safer and more efficient route for motorists, while easing pressure on local roads.


Spanning 15 kilometers, the extension includes a dual-carriageway motorway with two lanes in each direction, several interchanges and an impressive 2.6-kilometer bridge over the Hunter River. The project is not only about creating better connectivity but also about improving travel experiences for the thousands of commuters, freight operators, and holidaymakers who rely on this vital road network every day.



Asphalt Paving services in Newcastle NSW | Hexham Bypass on M1 Motorway


Construction Progress


Construction is progressing steadily, with significant milestones already reached, including the installation of bridge girders at key points along the route. With completion anticipated by mid-2028, this $2.1 billion investment promises to reshape the region’s transport infrastructure for decades to come.


Among the visible progress is the meticulous asphalt paving work currently underway. Crews are hard at work laying the foundation for what will become a 15-kilometer dual-carriageway motorway. The asphalt paving is a critical stage in the construction management process, providing a durable and high-quality surface designed to withstand heavy traffic volumes, including freight transport. Advanced paving techniques are being employed to ensure the new road meets modern safety and performance standards, offering motorists a smoother ride and better drainage during wet weather.


This paving work is part of the broader effort to create a seamless connection between the M1 Motorway and the Pacific Highway. The use of locally sourced materials and expertise is also a hallmark of this project, with more than 70% of the workforce coming from the Newcastle/Hunter region. As each section of the bypass takes shape, the completed asphalt surfaces are a visible reminder of the progress being made toward the mid-2028 completion date.


As of December 2024, the first bridge girders have been successfully installed at the northern interchange, marking a significant advancement in the Heatherbrae Bypass section. The construction team has already lifted 62 of the 827 bridge girders into place across the project, with more than 70% of the Heatherbrae Bypass workforce sourced from the Hunter Region, including 38 apprentices and 12 trainees.


Expected Completion


The M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace, including the Hexham and Heatherbrae Bypass, is anticipated to be open to traffic in mid-2028.


This project represents a substantial investment in the region's infrastructure, promising improved traffic efficiency and enhanced safety for all road users.


For a visual overview of the project's progress, you can watch the following video:






 

Ready to start your asphalt paving project? Contact us at Ian Rich Asphalt on (02) 4942 5496 to book in your project. We lay various asphalt surfaces for commercial, civil and residential applications throughout Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast of NSW.

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