First Three-Lane Section of Hexham Straight Opens to Ease Hunter Congestion

newy.com.au – The first widened section of Hexham Straight, a key Hunter transport corridor, has opened with three lanes in each direction, easing congestion for motorists from Thursday 14 August 2025.

The upgrade marks a major milestone in the $2.2 billion Hexham Straight Widening and M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace, jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments to improve safety and travel times. The Australian Government is contributing more than $1.79 billion, with $448 million from the NSW Government.

The new section includes an additional lane for about 650 metres for motorists turning left onto Maitland Road from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, as well as an extended turning lane from the bypass. Inbound traffic on Maitland Road now also benefits from an extra lane from about 650 metres north of the bypass, with more space for vehicles turning right onto the bypass.

Upgrades to the traffic lights at the intersection of the bypass and Old Maitland Road are now complete, along with a new U-turn facility. A pedestrian crossing and bus stops outside St Joseph’s Calvary Aged Care will also be installed.

When finished in 2026, the six-kilometre Hexham Straight will have three lanes each way from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass to Hexham Bridge, delivering more reliable travel times for freight and safer conditions for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King said the opening gave motorists “a taste of things to come”, with the project on track for completion in 2026. “The Australian Government is getting on with the job of delivering for the Hunter, not only through this project but also the broader M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace, the Singleton Bypass, and plans for the Muswellbrook Bypass and the westbound flyover at Maitland,” she said.

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said the change would benefit “the more than 50,000 motorists who travel this stretch of road every single day”, describing Hexham Straight as a “notorious bottleneck” now seeing its first improvements.

NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the project was vital to linking residential areas with employment hubs, the Port of Newcastle and industrial precincts, while Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison described it as part of a suite of upgrades transforming the Hunter road network.

State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp and Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery welcomed the progress, highlighting benefits for freight operators, local businesses and families relying on the busy route.

The remaining sections of the widening project will continue to be opened progressively, with the full upgrade expected to be in use by 2026.