Shortlisted companies invited to tender for NSW’s M1 Extension

(Photo by Taras Makarenko)

The Federal Government has today announced a shortlist of companies invited to tender for construction of the M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace in New South Wales’ Hunter Region.

The project aims to improve the connection between Newcastle and the New England Highway, M1 Motorway and the Pacific Highway, benefitting nearly 50,000 motorists who travel the route every day.

The M1 Pacific Motorway Extension project is being built under two collaborative design and construction contracts.

For the southern, 10-kilometre Black Hill to Tomago section, CPB Contractors, Acciona Infrastructure Australia, and the John Holland/ Gamuda (Australia) Branch Joint Venture have been selected to take part in the tender process.

For the northern, five-kilometre Heatherbrae Bypass section, Seymour Whyte Constructions and BMD Constructions have been selected to take part in the tender process.

Both contracts are expected to be awarded by the end of 2022.

Registrations of Interest are also being called from pre-qualified contractors to widen Hexham Straight as part of M1 extension. Transport for NSW will deliver the project through an alliance contract.

Transport for NSW will develop a shortlist of tenderers through the Registrations of Interest, and work with these parties to consider proposals by industry. Successful contractors are expected to be announced later this year.

The 15-kilometre M1 Pacific Motorway Extension includes a four-lane divided motorway with two lanes in each direction and new interchanges at Black Hill, Tarro, Tomago and Raymond Terrace.

It will improve the connection between Newcastle and the New England Highway, M1 Motorway and the Pacific Highway, enhancing safety and traffic flow for the 50,000 motorists who travel the route every day.

The Federal Government has committed $1.68 billion towards the extension of the M1 Pacific Motorway to Raymond Terrace and the Hexham Straight Widening, following the announcement of additional funding ($80 million) in January this year.

The New South Wales Government has committed the remaining $420 million to the $2.1 billion project.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the project would deliver the “missing link” for local traffic and freight.

“These milestones move us a step closer to completion of what is one of the Hunter’s biggest ever infrastructure projects,” he said.

“Extending the M1 will significantly improve journeys for tens of thousands of motorists across the Hunter region, busting congestion and providing faster and safer journeys for commuters.”