The M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace project includes a 15 kilometre extension of the existing M1 Pacific Motorway (M1) at Black Hill to the existing Pacific Highway at Raymond Terrace.

This extension will provide a critical link between Sydney and Brisbane along one of the busiest transport corridors in Australia. BG&E, alongside JV partner, Jacobs, provided the detailed design for the Southern Package – which achieved multiple 10/10 review scores from Transport for NSW (TfNSW), met an ambitious eight month delivery design schedule, and optimised key design elements – significantly reducing quantities in the detailed design phase.

The project is being delivered across two contracts. The BG&E and Jacobs JV was engaged by the John Holland and Gamuda JV to provide detailed design for the Southern Package – Black Hill to Tomago.

Key features of the project included

• 10 kilometres of new dual carriageway motorway with two lanes in each direction.
• Motorway access from the existing road network via new interchanges at Black Hill, Tarro, and Tomago.
• 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) flood immunity.
• Eight new bridges, including a 2.6 kilometre viaduct over the Hunter River flood plain.
• Multiple local road connections.
• Roadside furniture, including safety barriers, signage, fauna fencing and crossings, and street lighting.
• New structures, including bridges and noise walls.
• Walking and cycling facilities.
• Utilities and services adjustments, including water mains and high voltage transmission lines.
• Modifications to or new signalised intersections at Black Hill, Tomago, and Heatherbrae.

Key innovations and outcomes included

• The design received multiple 10/10 review scores from TfNSW.
• Achieved an aggressive and ambitious target design delivery programme with key packages at FDD or IFC completed in under eight months.
• Significant design optimisation through all involved design phases, including alignment, drainage, and bridge.
• Reduction in all key quantities throughout the detailed design phase.

Major works started in 2023 and are slated for completion by 2028.

Once complete, the M1 Pacific Motorway will save motorists seven to nine minutes in travel time during peak periods and bypass five sets of traffic lights.