Pacific Highway improvements at Hexham

Transport will deliver the project alongside Georgiou, Daracon and SMEC through an alliance contract.

Early works including geotechnical and utility investigations are underway and will continue into the new year.

Major construction work is expected to start mid next year, with the project expected to be completed in 2026.

The Pacific Highway (Maitland Road) is a critical link in the National Land Transport Network, providing access to and from the Portal of Newcastle. It carries some of the highest traffic volumes in the Hunter.

The proposed six kilometre-long project would improve traffic flow along this critical route, deliver more reliable travel times for freight, and increase safety for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians.

The proposed scope of the Hexham Straight project involves the addition of an extra lane in both directions, removal of the existing bridges and construction of two new bridges at Ironbark Creek, adjustments to connecting roads as well as significant utility relocation.

Timing for construction is not confirmed and is dependent on a range of factors including planning approval.

The proposed improvements at Hexham include:

• Upgrades to the six kilometre section of the Pacific Highway between the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Hexham Bridge.
• Widening of the dual carriageway from two lanes to three lanes in each direction
• Demolition of the existing Ironbark bridge and construction of two new bridges at Ironbark Creek
• Minor intersection upgrades and property adjustments
• Utility relocation.

Key benefits of the proposal include:

• Improved connection between Pacific Highway (Maitland Road) known as Hexham Straight between Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Hexham Bridge
• Improved traffic flow for motorists and freight for more reliable travel times
• Improved accessibility to the surrounding road network
• Improved safety for all road users.

Early works including geotechnical and utility investigations are underway and will continue into the new year, with major construction work expected to start mid next year.

• November 2021 frequently asked questions

  Pacific Highway improvements at Hexham (Hexham Straight Widening).

• July 2022 project update

  Submissions report now online.

• November 2021 project update

  Have your say.

• April 2021 project update

  Community feedback on strategic design.

• December 2020 project update

  Pacific Highway improvements at Hexham (Hexham Straight).

• July 2022 submissions report

  Pacific Highway improvements at Hexham (Hexham Straight Widening).

• July 2022 submissions report appendices

  Appendix A and B.

• July 2022 submissions report appendices

  Appendix C and D.

• July 2022 submissions report appendices

  Appendix E, F and G.

• November 2021 review of environmental factors

  Main report.

• Appendix A

  Concept Design Drawngs.

• Appendix B

  Drainage features.

• Appendix C

  Urban Design, Landscape Character and Visual Impact Assessment.

• Appendix D

  Construction staging.

• Appendix E

  Consideration of clause 228(2) factors, MNES and Commonwealth land.

• Appendix F

  Statutory checklists.

• Appendix G

  Consultation.

• Appendix H

  Biodiversity Assessment Report.

• Appendix J

  Statement of Heritage Impact.

• Appendix K

  Phase 1 Soils and Contamination Assessment.

• Appendix L

  Flooding and Hydrology Assessment.

• Appendix M

  Noise and Vibration Assessment.

• Appendix N

  Surface Water and Groundwater Assessment.

• Appendix O

  Coastal Processes Assessment.

• Appendix P

  Traffic and Transport Assessment.

• Appendix Q

  Socio-economic, Property and Land Use Assessment.

• Appendix R

  Air Quality Assessment.

• Appendix S

  Climate Change Assessment.

• Appendix T

  Sustainability Assessment.

• 6 April 2022

  M1 Extension and Hexham Straight progessing at pace.

• 6 May 2021

  Community heard on Hexham Straight widening.

• 2 December 2020

  Have your say on the Pacific Hwy at Hexham.