New Road Diversions and Closures as M1 Pacific Motorway Extension Work Continues

7 February 2025

newy.com.au – Motorists travelling along the M1 Pacific Motorway towards Raymond Terrace should be prepared for changed traffic conditions from Monday, 10 February 2025, as construction ramps up on the Black Hill to Tomago section of the motorway extension.

From that night, northbound traffic on the Pacific Highway will be shifted onto a newly built section of road to facilitate pavement construction over the existing highway. Southbound traffic will follow suit three to four weeks later.

During the first stage of these changes, access from the northbound lanes to the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens will be temporarily closed for up to four weeks. Motorists wishing to visit the gardens will need to continue to the Heatherbrae roundabout and return via the southbound lanes.

In addition, Performance Based Standards vehicles will not be able to access Old Punt Road, Tomago, without an appropriate permit from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator. Similarly, the Lenaghans Drive intersection will be closed, with traffic redirected to a new temporary intersection 300 metres further south. This diversion will come into effect on Wednesday, 12 February 2025, and is expected to remain in place for six months while permanent access is constructed.

To minimise disruption, night-time roadworks will take place at several key locations between 7pm and 5am on Monday 10 February, Tuesday 11 February, and Thursday 13 February. During these hours, the eastbound off-ramp from the New England Highway to Anderson Drive will be closed, with a detour in place via New England Highway/Maitland Road.

Oversize and over-mass vehicle operators with a ground contact width exceeding 3.2 metres or an overall width beyond 4.5 metres must notify the project team at least one day in advance by calling 0423 323 946. Delays may occur for those who fail to make arrangements before travel. Vehicles operating under permit conditions must adhere strictly to their approved routes.

Further construction activities, including lane closures, temporary stoppages, and speed reductions to 40 km/h, will occur from 7pm to 5am between Monday 10 February and Friday 14 February at the following locations:

M1 Pacific Motorway at Beresfield and Black Hill
John Renshaw Drive at Beresfield
New England Highway at Tarro
Pacific Highway at Tomago and Heatherbrae

Additionally, daytime roadworks will take place from 7am to 5pm during the same period at:

Lenaghans Drive at Black Hill
Old Punt Road near Pacific Highway at Tomago
New England Highway eastbound at Tarro

Motorists are urged to allow extra travel time, follow detour signs, and comply with directions from traffic controllers. Transport for NSW appreciates drivers’ patience during this essential construction period.

For real-time traffic updates, download the Live Traffic NSW app, visit livetraffic.com, or call 132 701.