28 September 2015

AURECON Australia has been awarded the design contract for the upgrade of the Weakleys Drive and John Renshaw Drive intersection at Beresfield in New South Wales.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the contract award continues the Australian Government’s drive to improve the productivity of the nation’s infrastructure.

“The intersection upgrade at the northern end of the M1motorway is one of three projects in the Australian and NSW governments’ jointly funded $392 million M1 Productivity Package,” Mr Truss said.

“The project will help reduce travel times between Newcastle and Sydney, improve road freight efficiency and cater for the expected growth of freight traffic.

“It means freight operators can get goods to local and international markets efficiently, ultimately improving our competitiveness as a major exporting nation.”

New South Wales Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter and Central Coast Scot MacDonald said the extensive upgrades will improve driving conditions for motorists using the intersection.

“The existing two lane roundabout at Beresfield is used by around 4,000 vehicles an hour during the weekday peak and the upgrade will enable the road to cater for increasing demand,” Mr MacDonald said.

“This intersection upgrade involves replacing the existing roundabout with traffic lights to improve motorist safety, traffic flow and to ease congestion.

“The upgrade will also complement future upgrades across the road network, including the proposed extension of the M1 Pacific Motorway to Raymond Terrace to improve safety and travel times.”

Subject to planning approval, the intersection upgrade will be completed by 2019.

The Australian and New South Wales governments have each committed $195.8 million towards the M1 Productivity Package.

The community consultation report, which includes a summary of submissions and responses received during the display of the preferred option, can be viewed on the Roads and Maritime website at www.rms.nsw.gov.au

Media Contacts

For Mr Truss: Kate Barwick 0408 072 809

For Mr MacDonald: Electorate office 02 9230 2393

View the original media release