Hexham Straight Widening Project Completed, Bringing Relief to Hunter Drivers
Motorists in the Hunter region are set to experience long-awaited relief from one of the area's most notorious traffic bottlenecks, as the widening of the Hexham Straight has been officially completed. This significant infrastructure upgrade now allows for three lanes in each direction along the six-kilometre stretch, with the speed limit increased to 80 kilometres per hour to enhance traffic flow through this busy corridor.
Federal and State Ministers Celebrate Project Milestone
Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King expressed her enthusiasm, stating she was "thrilled" to announce the opening. "This project is delivering real benefits for people in the Hunter, including safer journeys and improved travel times," she remarked. The completed works encompass several key improvements:
- New twin bridges constructed over Ironbark Creek.
- Upgraded and modernised traffic lights at the intersection of the bypass and Old Maitland Road.
- A new U-turn facility for enhanced accessibility.
- Improved pedestrian crossings and bus stops in front of St Joseph's Calvary Aged Care.
These changes are anticipated to provide more reliable travel times for freight operators and better safety for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians. While all lanes are now open to traffic, minor finishing tasks such as landscaping and signage installation are still underway.
Ongoing Enhancements and Regional Impact
Additional ongoing work includes upgrades to the reserve along the Hunter River and Foreshore Park, featuring improved parking, seating, and informational signage that highlights the Indigenous cultural heritage of the area. NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison hailed the project as a "fantastic outcome" and a genuine "game-changer" for the region. "Like so many people across the Hunter, I've sat in traffic at Hexham frustrated at the crawling speed and bottlenecks," she shared.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley emphasised that after years of delays and frustration, the bottleneck is finally cleared. "This is about cutting congestion, improving reliability, and giving people back precious time every single day," she explained. Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp noted that the project will benefit approximately 50,000 motorists who use this stretch daily, while Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery added that Hexham had been a daily source of frustration for many in the community. "Whether you're heading to work, picking up the kids, or moving freight through the Hunter, the bottleneck here has cost people time and added unnecessary stress," she said.
Part of Broader M1 Extension Project
The completed Hexham Straight widening is a crucial component of the wider 15-kilometre M1 extension to Raymond Terrace. Earlier this year, foundation works for 11 new bridges between Black Hill and Raymond Terrace were finalised, with the full extension expected to open to traffic by 2028. This comprehensive infrastructure effort aims to further alleviate congestion and support economic growth in the Hunter region, marking a significant step forward in regional transport development.
