COMMUNITY members are being invited to have their say on proposed alternative construction options to build the new 2.6-kilometre viaduct over the Hunter River as part of the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace.

The option approved in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) involved using small rock jetties and large barges in the Hunter River, which necessitates dredging.

The barges would be used to transport and allow piling rigs, cranes and concrete pumps to work over water while secondary barges would support construction and help supply materials, removing spoil and piling activities.

The alternative option being considered involves using a temporary rock platform in the Hunter River.

The rock platform would be utilised in two separate stages – starting with a platform up to 180-metres constructed from the western side of the river.

Once work is complete on this side, the rock material would be removed and relocated to the eastern side of the river to allow crews to complete the viaduct construction.

Following completion, the rock platform would be removed.

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) say this alternative option reduces construction duration and therefore the duration of impact on the Hunter River.

TfNSW Regional Director North Anna Zycki said Transport for NSW and the project team want to speak with community members and hear their feedback about the options.

“We know the community has concerns about impacts to the Hunter River and potential flood impacts on their properties, which is why we want to sit down with residents to hear from them and speak to them individually about this part of the project,” Ms Zycki said.

There will also be an opportunity for the community to speak with the project team, with five drop-in sessions scheduled for later this month.

The community drop-in sessions will provide a chance for the community to meet members of the project team and get answers to their questions relating to flood management measures during construction.

The project team will have flood specialists, environmental and construction personnel on hand to provide more information and answer any questions from community members.

Community drop-in session details:
● Millers Forest Popular Hall: 105 Scotch Creek Road, Millers Forest – Wednesday 24 July from 6pm to 9pm and Thursday 25 July from 10am to 1pm
● Raymond Terrace Senior Citizens Hall: 17E Irrawang St, Raymond Terrace – Thursday 25 July from 6pm to 9pm and Friday 26 July from 1pm to 4pm
● John Holland Gamuda site compound: Aurizon Road, Tarro – Saturday 27 July from 10am to 2pm

The project team will also be sending letters and contacting all potentially impacted property owners over the coming weeks to discuss how the alternative construction option may impact their property and potential mitigation measures that may be available to them at their property.

The M1 extension includes upgrades to the surrounding network, such as the Hexham Straight Widening, and is funded by the Australian and NSW governments.

It will feature a 15-kilometre extension of the motorway, removing five sets of traffic lights and cutting nine minutes from travel times during peak periods.

There will be new interchanges at Black Hill, Tarro, Tomago and Raymond Terrace; and a 2.6-kilometre viaduct over the Hunter River and floodplain, the Main North Rail Line, and the New England Highway.

The M1 extension to Raymond Terrace is expected to be open to traffic in 2028.

To have your say, visit https://caportal.com.au/tfnsw/m1rt/community-information-sessions.