BY OLI GOELDNER
Progress on the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace is expect to be open later this year, more than a year ahead of schedule.
The accelerated timeline comes following the completion of the new five kilometre motorway forming the Heatherbrae Bypass.
As part of the northern section, the Raymond Terrace interchange, the Masonite Road overpass and a major bridge crossing at Windeyers Creek have also been completed.
The M1 extension will be open as soon as work on the 10-kilometre southern section from Black Hill to Tomago is complete, later this year.
Roads Minister and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said it's a major step forward.
"It's been a massive effort to get this essentially more than a year ahead of schedule," she said.
"This project has created so many jobs in our region, with 2,700 people having worked on this project.
"It's something that generations of people across the Hunter can be very proud of the work that is here."
Following opening, contractors will remain on site to monitor how the new road adjusts to carrying highway traffic, undertake landscaping establishment and targeted maintenance as required.
The monitoring will be carried out for up to two years on the southern section and one year on the northern section.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said it marks a big day for the Hunter.
"The school holiday traffic we're seeing on the existing highway right now is a great reminder as to why this project is vital," she said.
"Nearly 25,000 vehicles use this road on a normal day, with that number swelling during the holiday breaks."
