Contractor completes major M1 works from Kariong to Somersby

Motorists are now driving on the second of three major M1 upgrades in NSW, following the Kariong to Somersby upgrade which opened to traffic in late May.

Fulton Hogan were awarded the contract for this section of works in 2018. Works included widening the motorway and upgrading three of the four ramps at the Kariong interchange.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said once completed, this project will benefit the more than 70,000 motorists who use the M1 every day.

“The M1 Pacific Motorway is a crucial link for freight travelling between Sydney and Brisbane, which is one of the busiest transport routes in Australia,” Mr. McCormack said.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said widening the M1 to provide three lanes in each direction would reduce queuing and improve travel times and drive a boost to productivity on one of NSW’s most important freight corridors.

“Not only will this be welcomed by local communities, but freight operators will also reap the rewards of a more efficient corridor,” Mr. Toole said.

The final section to be upgraded in NSW, Tuggerah to Doyalson, is also nearing completion.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the upgrade would cater for future traffic increases as a result of growth in the Central Coast, Hunter and North Coast regions.

“The Central Coast will be home to 95,250 additional people between 2016 and 2041, which is why the delivery of more infrastructure is so important for our community,” Mr. Crouch said.

All M1 upgrades are expected to be fully open to traffic at 110 kilometres per hour, from mid-2020 wether permitting.

The $391.6 million M1 Productivity Package is jointly funded by both the Australian and New South Wales Governments. The Australian Government is providing $195.8 million towards the planning and construction of the package.

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