BY DAKOTA TAIT
The Federal Government announced another $80 million for the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace on Monday, bringing the total investment to $1.68 billion.
The extension will feature two lanes in each direction from Black Hill to Raymond Terrace.
It's hoped the long-awaited road will bypass congestion pinch-points at Hexham and Heatherbrae.
Between Newcastle and Maitland, it's estimated 25,000 vehicles each day will benefit from the project.
James Thomson, the Nationals' candidate for Hunter, says it's exciting to see real steps toward the works.
"It's great for families who commute," Mr Thomson said. "It's fantastic for people who drive on the M1 for business each and every day."
"For anyone going on a holiday, this is going to save ten minutes - you're going to get to your destination quicker, you're going to spend more time with your family, and enjoy more of your holiday."
The NSW Government is also contributing an additional $420 million toward the $2.1 billion project.
It's expected around 2,700 jobs will be supported during construction.
NSW Minister for Roads Sam Farraway says the project is a "game-changer".
"We're going to have the tender process in a matter of the next four to eight weeks, with a six month process," Mr Farraway.
"We're going to start to see construction well and truly on site here in 2023, with traffic open to all this new piece of vital road infrastructure by 2028."
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| Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, Nationals Candidate for Hunter James Thomson, and NSW Minister for Roads Sam Farraway. |
