Do you have a vision on how the design and landscape for the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace should look?
If the answer is “yes”, then you’re in luck.
Residents are now being invited to offer feedback on the Transport for NSW’s options.
The project team will host a series of in-person and online consultation and information sessions to provide an overview of the plan.
Webinars, using the “Teams” platform, are scheduled for Friday 15 September from noon to 1pm and Thursday 21 September between 6pm and 7pm.
There’ll be community events, too, on Thursday 14 September from 10am to 1pm at the Beresfield Community Hall and Wednesday 20 September from 4pm to 7pm at the Raymond Terrace Senior Citizens Hall.
The Australian and NSW governments are investing $2.1 billion to deliver the M1 Pacific Motorway to Raymond Terrace and Hexham Straight widening projects.
“On completion, the extension is expected to save motorists up to nine minutes of travel time during peak periods,” a Transport for NSW spokesperson said.
“They’ll be able to bypass up to five sets of traffic lights and reduce demand on existing key routes.
“As the start of major work for the M1 extension edges closer, we’re calling on locals to share their thoughts on the design and landscaping plans for the project.
“The draft options are now on public exhibition, giving people an opportunity to provide feedback on a range of elements such as retaining walls, bridges, lighting, signs, paving types and artwork.
“Another key initiative for the design is an expression of Country and the relationship to the Hunter River through the integration of artwork provided on the safety screens and the entry to the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, along with landscape elements at the interchanges and signposting of Country.”
The planned 15-kilometre extension includes a four-lane divided motorway with two lanes in each direction; new interchanges at Black Hill, Tarro, Tomago and Raymond Terrace; and a 2.6-kilometre viaduct over the Hunter River and floodplain, the Main North Rail Line, and the New England Highway.
The spokesperson said the project would offer positive outcomes for the community during construction and on completion.
“The M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace will transform the way people travel in and around the Hunter region,” they explained.
“So, we want the community to be a part of the process.
“The project will create and support about 2,700 jobs during the estimated five years of construction.
“Now, as we come down to the exciting part, we want to hear from residents.
“People can view the draft design and landscape plans and provide their feedback either online or by attending one of our community information sessions.”
The extension is expected to be open to traffic in 2028.
The Australian and NSW governments are jointly funding the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace on an 80:20 basis.
For further details about the design and landscape plans, go to http://www.caportal.com.au/tfnsw/m1rt
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