newy.com.au – Work to upgrade the Hexham Bridge intersection is expected to begin this month and finish in early 2027, with changes to traffic lanes, turning movements and pedestrian crossings planned on Maitland Road.
The federal and NSW governments say highway traffic has shifted onto the newly opened $2.24 billion M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace, allowing improvements to the existing intersection to proceed with less disruption to motorists.
The project targets the traffic-light-controlled junction around Hexham Bridge, which remains a connection for local traffic. Existing signals will be upgraded, new pedestrian crossings built and accessibility improved.
Road pavement, line marking and signs will also be upgraded. The construction program includes drainage and utility adjustments, followed by landscaping and finishing work.
The governments say the changes are intended to reduce queues, improve journey reliability and make the intersection safer for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. The announcement does not detail the proposed lane layout or identify which turning movements will change.
“The new M1 extension is taking traffic off the old route, and now we can get on with improving the roads and intersections that local people still rely on every day,” federal Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon said.
Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said the intersection upgrade would build on the M1 extension and Hexham Straight projects, with the motorway opening allowing the work to proceed with fewer impacts on traffic.
That completion target applies to the intersection upgrade. It does not establish a timetable for any separate maintenance work on Hexham Bridge itself, and should not be read as a confirmed end date for all work around the bridge.
Motorists should check Live Traffic NSW Incident 287804 before travelling for current roadwork notices, lane restrictions and any detours affecting their route.
