The M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace is a step closer to construction with the release of a submissions report responding to community feedback on the $2.1 billion project's Environmental Impact Statement.
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Transport for NSW director region north Anna Zycki said the release of the EIS submissions report on Monday was a critical step in achieving planning approval for what has long been called the 'missing link' for motorists travelling between Sydney and Brisbane.
"This project will create more efficient and reliable journeys by bypassing five sets of traffic lights and removing about 25,000 vehicles a day from key congestion and merge points between Newcastle and Maitland - saving nine minutes in travel time," Ms Zycki said.
"The submissions report is another indication of the level of community involvement in helping us to deliver this 15-kilometre four-lane road, which is set to transform the Hunter region.
"We've already responded to feedback by modifying the original concept design to include improved access to the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens and a centralised interchange at Old Punt Road.
"We've also improved access to the northbound M1 Motorway entry ramp at Tomago to allow motorists from Newcastle to access the M1 Motorway sooner, which is a great result."
The M1 EIS was on public exhibition between July 28 and August 24, 2021.
During the exhibition period, Transport for NSW received 58 submissions.
Of those, 37 were from members of the public, 10 were from organisations and 11 were from NSW Government agencies and local councils.
The release of the EIS submissions report comes three days after Sandy's Seafood in Heatherbrae closed its doors for a final time after 70 years in business, due to the M1 extension.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson told the Examiner at the beginning of June that the state department had purchased the premises on which Sandy's Seafood operated in June 2012, "at which time Sandy's Seafood was informed of the plans to extend the M1 Pacific Motorway to Raymond Terrace".
It is expected that at least one other businesses in Heatherbrae will either close or relocate as part of the motorway extension project.
Ms Zycki said that the release of the submissions report on June 27 will allow the Department of Planning and Environment to finalise its assessment of the project and prepare an environmental assessment report.
The Minister for Planning will then decide whether to approve the project and if approved, outline any conditions that would apply.
"The Australian and NSW governments have worked together to provide $2.1 billion to deliver the M1 extension and the Hexham Straight widening projects - the scale of which has never been seen before in the Hunter," Ms Zycki said.
"By upgrading this vital commuter, freight and tourism link, we're going leave a lasting legacy of better connected communities, improved safety and reduced local congestion.
"We'll also be creating about 2700 direct and indirect jobs to boost the local economy at a time when it's needed most.
"We're at the final gate now with the report up for formal approval, which means we're on track to see shovels in the ground by next year."
Ms Zycki said the submissions received in response to the EIS for the project covered a range of issues including noise, biodiversity, traffic and transport.
"I thank all those community members who provided feedback and invite everyone to view the submissions report to learn how Transport for NSW has responded to the topics raised," she said.
"The M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace will make our region an even better place to live, work and visit. The release of the report demonstrates that we're on track to commence early works later this year, following approval."
M1 Pacific Motorway extension Submissions Report Overview
The full submissions report is now available here and on the Department of Planning and Environment's Major Projects website.
