January 21, 2026
Major milestone reached with final bridge pilings installed on M1 to Raymond Terrace extension Regional Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison, local MPs and project stakeholders at Tarro to celebrate the installation of the final bridge pilings. Photos: TfNSW and John Holland Group.

Major milestone reached with final bridge pilings installed on M1 to Raymond Terrace extension

CREWS working on the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace have reached a significant construction milestone with the installation of the final bridge pile.

“Piles are a key part of a bridge’s foundation, transferring weight through soil and clay down to solid rock below,” Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said.

“Across the project, 278 piles have now been installed, including 16 driven directly into the riverbed.

“This is complex, highly technical work and a major milestone for the crews delivering this project.”

The difficulty of such installations can be due to water conditions, environmental factors and the need for high levels of accuracy.

Each pile adheres to strict engineering standards to ensure the long-term strength and stability of the bridge structures.

The completion of piling works marks a major milestone for construction crews, as it underpins everything that follows.

With the foundations now in place, the project is said to progress to the next phases of bridge construction, including the building of piers, decks and spans.

As work continues, each stage brings the M1 to Raymond Terrace Project closer to completion.

“We are another step closer to safer, smoother trips for our community,” Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said.

Once finished, the project is expected to play an important role in improving traffic congestion and travel times in the region.

The extension is expected to be open to traffic in 2028.

By Cosette DE LORENZO

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