Major Milestone Achieved in Hexham Straight Widening Project

23 November 2024

The Hexham Straight Widening project has reached a significant milestone with the completion and opening of the new southbound bridge over Ironbark Creek. Girder installation took place in August 2024, with final works on the bridge carried out over the past few months, marking a crucial advancement in the project’s timeline.

The Australian Government is contributing $1.8 billion to the M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace project, which includes the Hexham Straight Widening. The NSW Government is providing an additional $448 million, highlighting the importance of this infrastructure upgrade for the region.

This week, a temporary traffic switch will redirect two northbound and two southbound lanes onto the new bridge. This arrangement will facilitate the construction of the new northbound bridge, set to commence in December 2024, weather permitting. Once both structures are complete, each will carry three lanes of traffic, significantly improving flow and reducing congestion.

The Hexham Straight is expected to open to traffic in 2026, promising smoother and more reliable journeys for the approximately 50,000 vehicles that use this route daily.

Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon MP, expressed her enthusiasm for the project’s progress: “This is a significant milestone for the Hexham Straight Widening project which, once complete, will transform the way people travel to, from and around Newcastle and the Hunter. I am pleased to see works progressing on this important project, with the completion of the Ironbark Creek bridge bringing us one step closer to the finished project. It is a really exciting time to be living in Newcastle with so much going on to improve our road network thanks to the backing of the Albanese Labor Government. I know Novocastrians who drive this route daily will get great satisfaction from seeing this progress.”

State Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp MP, also welcomed the advancement: “It’s great to see this progress. We know this stretch of road is used by about 50,000 vehicles travelling between Maitland and Newcastle daily, so we look forward to easing congestion for those motorists and their passengers. This project, along with the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace, will ensure safer, smoother and more reliable journeys for the people who rely on this road every day. Once complete, the Hexham Straight Widening will ensure a stronger road network for our local community, motorists and the freight industry.”

The ongoing progress of the Hexham Straight Widening project marks a transformative period for Newcastle and the Hunter region, promising enhanced connectivity and economic benefits for the local community.