BY JARROD MELMETH
The NSW Government has released the environmental impact statement for the M1 Pacific Motorway extension between Black Hill and Raymond Terrace.
The 28-page document outlines the impact of the $2 billion jointly funded state and federal project on the surrounding environment.
The 15 kilometre road is set to bypass Beresfield, Hexham and Heatherbrae and will see the construction of four new interchanges at Black Hill, Tarro, Tomago and Raymond Terrace, as well as a 2.6 kilometre bridge over the Hunter River floodplain.
The project has been on the infrastructure list in the Hunter Region since the first concept report was released in 2005.
Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes says he is pleased both levels of government are moving ahead with this next step.
"This project has taken on significant importance as it is one of the last stretches of the M1 link from Sydney to Brisbane to be upgraded.
"We are relieved this step has been taken and were concerned the project was stalling, notwithstanding there are allocations in respective government budgets for the project.
"The concepts and designs have changed significantly since 2005 and it is important that the community and businesses understand how the project links into existing development and road infrastructure as well as facilitating future development," Mr Hawes said.
Feedback on the EIS can be provided here until August 28.
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| The new bridge passing over the existing road. |
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| View of the new road from Tarro Railway Station. |
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| The interchange to be built at Tomago. |
