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Image showing the planned 2.6km-long viaduct across the Hunter River (Image: Transport NSW)

A 60-40 joint venture between Gamuda and John Holland is responsible for building a 10km stretch of dual carriageway between Black Hill and Tomago, as part of the M1 Motorway Extension, in a deal reported to be worth just over A$1 billion (US$680 million).

The infrastructure project is one of the largest of its kind in the Hunter region’s history, unlocking congested Hunter roads and helping complete a traffic-light-free highway between Sydney and Brisbane.

Currently, the existing M1 Motorway, New England Highway and Pacific Highway carry some of the highest traffic volumes across the Hunter region, with an estimated 50,000 motorists using the corridor daily.

But Transport for New South Wales said that community members were concerned about potential flood impacts associated with the construction of the viaduct and wanted to reduce environmental impacts and faster delivery of the project.

Transport for NSW regional director north Anna Zycki said, “The project team will now use a single 80-metre temporary rock platform on the western side of the river, which removes the need for any dredging.

“Barges will be used to build the deep-water section of the viaduct on the eastern side of the river and these will be supported by a temporary 15-metre rock jetty that will allow material to be loaded and unloaded as the barges move across the river throughout the viaduct build.”

The first option proposed the use of two small rock jetties of approximately 25 metres, dredging and large barges in the Hunter River as originally contained in the Environmental Impact Statement. The second option involved the use of two temporary rock platforms in the Hunter River of up to 180 metres, built consecutively.

Construction will start immediately on the new viaduct with girder lifts for the bridge’s approach underway.

The M1 extension includes upgrades to the surrounding road network, such as the Hexham Straight Widening, and is funded by the Australian and NSW governments. In total, it will feature a 15-kilometre extension of the motorway, removing five sets of traffic lights and cutting nine minutes from travel times during peak periods.

The motorway extension is expected to open in 2028.