THREE southbound lanes now open on the Hexham Straight, assisting to alleviate one of the region’s most frustrating bottlenecks.
The milestone marks significant progress on the State and Federal Governments’ $2.24 billion investment to bust congestion and improve safety through the M1 to Raymond Terrace extension and Hexham Straight Widening projects.
For the 50,000 motorists who rely on this corridor every day, the opening means smoother trips between Old Maitland Road and Sparke Street.
A new southbound bridge over Ironbark Creek is now carrying four lanes of traffic, two in each direction, while work continues on the new northbound bridge.
Once complete, motorists will travel across twin bridges with three lanes each way, improving travel times and freight efficiency across the Hunter.
Final works including asphalting, line marking, barriers and landscaping are now underway.
The Hexham Straight upgrade remains on track for completion in 2026, delivering three lanes in each direction over six kilometres, from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass to north of Hexham Bridge.
NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said, “This is fantastic news for the Hunter.
“For too long, Hexham Straight has been a source of frustration for locals, freight operators and visitors alike.”
Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson said, “Better roads mean safer communities, stronger freight links and more time back in people’s days.”
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