The Australian Government and the NSW Government are investing in the upgrade and development of the section of the Pacific Highway (Maitland Road) known as Hexham Straight between Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Hexham Bridge.
Latest news
NOV
2021
NOV 2021Display period now closed
Thank you to those stakeholders and community members who commented on the concept design and Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for the Hexham Straight Widening project.
More informationWe will now compile all submissions into a summary report which will provide responses to submissions made. The report is expected to be available early next year.
A report responding to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) submissions will also be prepared for the City of Newcastle Council’s assessment.
We will consider all feedback received during the display period and continue to consult with the community in the next stage of the project.
Project information
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.
A report responding to the REF submissions is now being drafted. A report responding to the EIS submissions is also being prepared for Council’s assessment.
All feedback will help inform the final design and the community will be kept updated about the progress of work.
Project documents
Project updates
| File | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
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November 2021 project update
Have your say |
2.99Mb | |
|
April 2021 project update
Community feedback on strategic design |
170Kb | |
|
December 2020 project update
Pacific Highway improvements at Hexham (Hexham Straight) |
2.89Mb |
Review of environmental factors
| File | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
|
November 2021 review of environmental factors
Main report |
28.8Mb | |
|
Appendix A
Concept Design Drawngs |
25.6Mb | |
|
Appendix B
Drainage features |
4Mb | |
|
Appendix C
Urban Design, Landscape Character and Visual Impact Assessment |
26.6Mb | |
|
Appendix D
Construction staging |
6.16Mb | |
|
Appendix E
Consideration of clause 228(2) factors, MNES and Commonwealth land |
166Kb | |
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Appendix F
Statutory checklists |
179Kb | |
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Appendix G
Consultation |
9.74Mb | |
|
Appendix H
Biodiversity Assessment Report |
30.1Mb | |
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Appendix J
Statement of Heritage Impact |
14.6Mb | |
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Appendix K
Phase 1 Soils and Contamination Assessment |
25.8Mb | |
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Appendix L
Flooding and Hydrology Assessment |
42.1Mb | |
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Appendix M
Noise and Vibration Assessment |
21.2Mb | |
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Appendix N
Surface Water and Groundwater Assessment |
30.97Mb | |
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Appendix O
Coastal Processes Assessment |
27.1Mb | |
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Appendix P
Traffic and Transport Assessment |
23.8Mb | |
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Appendix Q
Socio-economic, Property and Land Use Assessment |
9.78Mb | |
|
Appendix R
Air Quality Assessment |
37.99Mb | |
|
Appendix S
Climate Change Assessment |
5.27Mb | |
|
Appendix T
Sustainability Assessment |
2.79Mb |
Frequently asked questions
| File | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
|
November 2021 frequently asked questions
Pacific Highway improvements at Hexham (Hexham Straight Widening) |
338Kb |
Media releases
| File | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
|
6 April 2022
M1 Extension and Hexham Straight progessing at pace |
30.9Kb | |
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6 May 2021
Community heard on Hexham Straight widening |
24.5Kb | |
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2 December 2020
Have your say on the Pacific Hwy at Hexham |
23.9Kb |
Contact us
For further information about this project contact:
Phone: 1800 515 141 (during business hours)
Email: hexhamstraight@transport.nsw.gov.au
Mail: Hexham Straight Project Manager, Transport for NSW, Locked Bag 2030, Newcastle NSW 2300