A revised construction method has been selected to build the over-water section of the 2.6-kilometre viaduct across the Hunter River as part of the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace project.
Transport for NSW Regional Director North Anna Zycki said the method was revised following extensive community consultation.
“It was clear from the consultation that community members were concerned about potential flood impacts but also wanted reduced environmental impacts and faster delivery of the project,” Ms 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.”
During the consultation process Transport for NSW hosted five community information sessions in Millers Forest, Raymond Terrace, and Tarro, engaging over 170 residents.
“These sessions provided an opportunity for the community to give feedback on proposed bridge construction methods,” Ms Zycki said.
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.
“We had feedback from around 100 residents, some expressed concerns over the options and we listened, using their feedback to select this revised option,” Ms Zycki said.
“The use of barges in the deeper section of the river eliminates the need for dredging in the shallow section, which best addresses the issues of minimising flood effects and reducing environmental impacts.
“It provides safety advantages too by reducing the time it takes to build this viaduct by up to four months, which minimises the period for risk of increased flood impacts to properties, without the need for dredging in the river.”
The project team will continue proactive engagement with the community about potential flood impacts and mitigation options, including arranging meetings with individual property owners upon request. Construction will start immediately on the new viaduct with girder lifts for the bridge’s approach underway.
The consultation summary report, including detailed responses from Transport to the feedback received from the community and stakeholders, is now available on our website at https://nswroads.work/m12rt-bridgeconstruction
More information about the project is available at: https://nswroads.work/m12rtportal
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. 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.
There will be new interchanges at Black Hill, Tarro, Tomago and Raymond Terrace, the Main North Rail Line, and the New England Highway, and is expected to be open to traffic in 2028.
Skip to content