M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace: Black Hill to Tomago

The M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace: Black Hill to Tomago forms an integral part of the M1 Pacific Motorway which runs between Sydney and Brisbane, and as such is a critical part of the freight and movement network of the state. The works represent one of the final bypass stages of the M1 Pacific Motorway which will result in reduced congestion and conflict with local traffic movements.

The Project is:

• Located 23 kilometres north of Newcastle in the City of Newcastle and Port Stephens Council LGAs

• Located in close proximity to the Mid North Coast and the coastal regions of Newcastle and Port Stephens

• In a predominantly rural urban area that plays an important role in the New South Wales (NSW) regional economy

• Comprises important land uses include mining, agriculture, defense services, manufacturing and industrial areas.

Key features of the Project include:

• A 10 kilometre motorway comprised of a four lane divided road (two lanes in each direction)

• Motorway access from the existing road network via three new interchanges at: Black Hill: connection to the M1 Pacific Motorway; Tarro: connection and upgrade (six lanes) to the New England Highway between John Renshaw Drive and the existing Tarro interchange at Anderson Drive; and Tomago: connection to the Pacific Highway and Old Punt Road.

• Upgrades to Pacific Highway main alignment and upgrades to New England Highway between Black Hill and Tarro

• Eight bridges, including three overbridges and a 2.6 kilometre viaduct over the Hunter River floodplain, including new bridge crossings over the Hunter River, the Main North Rail Line, and the New England Highway

• Entry statement at the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens

• Retaining walls associated with the bridges and batters

• Noise walls at Black Hill and Tarro

• Headlight treatments at the tie in with the Heatherbrae Bypass

• A large cutting at Black Hill

• Connectivity to existing and future cycleway network.

Celebration of Connection to Country

The design provides a clear expression of Country and the relationship to the Hunter River. This is achieved through the integration of artwork provided on safety screens, and the entry to the HRBG, along with landscape elements at the interchanges and signposting of Country. The artwork has been developed with Saretta Art & Design who have created the artwork design to incorporate Country.

The strategy adopted to incorporate the artwork has been to develop a visual motif that is an abstraction of the objects and symbols identified by Saretta that have heritage values and are of cultural significance. The visual motif is integrated into the urban design elements. A consistent theme has been established that can be applied to the various project elements though multiple expressions.

A waterways and wetlands theme has been identified as the primary theme for the Project. The themes are overlaid with people and community themes, such as the symbols and objects related to gathering places for men and women, or boats and fishes. These combine to bring together one large theme of the life on Country and acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land.

Colour has been incorporated in the design of the artwork for the above elements. The landscape treatments at the interchanges incorporate indigenous plant species that have a Connection to Country.