Road closures and disruptions
Live Traffic
For the latest traffic updates, you can call 132 701, visit Live Traffic NSW or download the Live Traffic NSW App.
Project road closures and maintenance
The Australian and NSW Governments are funding the 15-kilometre M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace. Transport has engaged Seymour Whyte Constructions to finalise the design and construct the northern section which bypasses Heatherbrae.
Major construction work will begin in October with the new road expected to open to traffic in 2028. This work will start at several locations along the 5-kilometre northern project corridor with key activities over the coming months including:
- removal of vegetation along the project corridor
- fencing the project boundary
- carrying out additional site investigations
- relocation of utilities such as fibre optic, water and electricity services
- installation of erosion and sediment controls, sensitive environmental area signs and flagging
- start of drainage and earthworks, including hauling of material
- building temporary access across Windeyers Creek
- building access off the Pacific Highway southbound carriageway between Richardson Road and Masonite Road.
The work will be carried out within standard construction hours between Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm and Saturdays from 8am to 5pm.
If you would like to provide feedback, or have any questions or complaints about this work, please contact our project team on 1800 094 895 (24 hours), email m12rt-northern@seymourwhyte.com.au or mail to Locked Bag 2030, Newcastle NSW 2300.
For more information about the project visit nswroads.work/m12rt.
11 March 2024 update
Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions while Transport for NSW (TfNSW) carries out construction work for the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace.
The work will require lane closures and temporary speed reductions at the following locations and times:
- Pacific Highway southbound intermittent speed reduction (vehicle escorts) north of Tomago Road, from 7am to 5pm, Monday 11 to Friday, March 15, and northbound and southbound lane closures from 7pm to 5am, Monday 11 to Friday, March 15.
- John Renshaw Drive on ramp to New England Highway westbound shoulder closure with intermittent stoppages from 7am to 5pm, Monday 11 to Friday, March 15
- New England Highway eastbound and westbound lane closures west of Tarro Interchange from 7pm to 5am, Monday 11 to Friday, March 15.
- Lenaghans Drive alternating northbound and southbound lane and shoulder closure from 7am to 5pm, Tuesday 12 to Thursday, March 14.
- M1 Pacific Motorway southbound lane closure and Lenaghans Drive northbound shoulder closure from 7pm to 5am, Monday 11 to Thursday, March 14.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and follow the directions of signs and traffic controllers.
For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW app, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.
Download the latest project update
Download the latest project update from Transport for NSW to see where they're working, what's coming up and potential impacts to the road network.
Transport for NSW will continue to work with the community as the project progresses and provide advance notice of the work.
For full details on traffic changes and how this section of work may affect you view the full Transport for NSW update.
Roadworks on Williamtown Drive will start on 16 November 2023 and are anticipated to be completed in August 2024 (weather dependent).
Williamtown Drive is the access road to Newcastle Airport off Nelson Bay Road at Williamtown, highlighted below. 
The works are to provide an additional lane northbound from the Airport and will also include associated earthworks, drainage and utility modifications.
Daracon Engineering is contracted to complete the works on behalf of TfNSW and will be on site for both day and night work in order to reduce the impact on the community and Airport passengers.
Please keep to speed limits and follow the directions of traffic controllers and signs.
For emergency closures, please visit our Disaster Dashboard.
How will night works affect you?
Road works involve the use of noise generating machinery. We make every effort to minimise noise by completing noisier activities earlier in the night and turn off machinery and vehicles when they are not in use.
Traffic changes
There can be temporary traffic changes to make sure that our work zones are safe. Lane closures and a 40km/h speed limits are in place during work hours which may affect your travel times. We ask that you please keep to speed limits and follow the direction of any traffic controllers and signs.