Milestone reached on M1 Upgrade at Kariong
12 December 2019
The upgrade of the Pacific Motorway between Kariong and Somersby has reached a major milestone with widened and extended entry and exit ramps at the Kariong interchange now open.
State Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the completion of the ramps would reduce delays and improve travel times.
"This is a major milestone because it will reduce queuing at peak travel times for the 70,000 motorists using this section of road each day," Mr Crouch said.
"As part of the joint State-Federal upgrade, the two ramps at the Kariong interchange are now two lanes each which makes traffic flow more smoothly.
"Prominent new signage has also been installed over the main roadway, helping drivers better negotiate the changed route at fast speeds and minimise confusion."
Federal Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks said the final phase of the upgrade between Kariong and Somersby would involve completing the northbound entry ramp and installing traffic lights at the intersection of Wisemans Ferry Road.
"The $391.6 million productivity package along the highway will deliver a better, more reliable journey on one of Australia's busiest roads," Ms Wicks said.
"Earlier this year we completed work to replace the existing roundabout at the Weakleys Drive and John Renshaw Drive intersection with traffic lights, improving traffic flow, travel times and safety."
Ms Wicks said the project would also see the M1 widened to three lanes between Kariong and Somersby interchanges, and between Tuggerah and Doyalson interchanges.
The road surface will also be replaced with new pavement, giving motorists a smoother and safer drive.
Work on the Kariong to Somersby upgrade will shut down for the holidays from Friday 20 December 2019 to Monday 6 January 2020. Work on the Tuggerah to Doyalson section of the upgrade will also shut down from Friday 20 December 2019, with workers to return on Thursday 2 January 2020.
The $391.6 million M1 upgrades from Tuggerah to Doyalson and Kariong to Somersby are expected to be completed in mid-2020.
For more information visit the M1 Pacific Motorway Upgrades webpage.