The Minns and Albanese Labor Governments are delivering major traffic relief for the Hunter, with the Hexham Straight upgrade hitting two huge milestones in just one week.

Three northbound lanes are now open from Sparke Street to Hexham Bridge, following the successful opening of the new southbound lanes last Friday.

The twin milestones mark rapid progress on the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments’ $2.24 billion investment to bust congestion, improve safety and strengthen freight links in the Hunter.

For the 50,000 motorists who rely on this corridor every day, these twin milestones mean smoother, safer and more reliable trips between Old Maitland Road and the Hexham Bridge – easing congestion on one of the Hunter’s most notorious bottlenecks.

A new southbound bridge over Ironbark Creek is now carrying four lanes of traffic, two in each direction, with traffic soon to shift onto the new northbound bridge as work continues.

Once complete, the Hexham Straight will feature three lanes each way across six kilometres, delivering faster travel times, improved freight efficiency and safer connections for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians.

The completed project is expected to open to traffic in 2026.  

federal Minister for Infrastructure, Catherine King said: 

“Two milestones in a single week show just how fast progress is moving at Hexham Straight.

“With both directions now well underway, motorists are seeing the real benefits of the Albanese and Minns Governments’ joint investment in safer, more efficient roads for the Hunter.

“This upgrade is unlocking economic potential, cutting congestion and making every journey in and out of Newcastle that bit easier.”

Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon said: 

“It’s fantastic to see the northbound lanes on the Hexham Straight now open, just a week after we celebrated the opening of the southbound lanes.

“Anyone who’s spent time sitting in traffic on Hexham Straight knows just how frustrating that bottleneck has been. These upgrades are delivering real relief for motorists, freight operators, and local businesses right across our region.

“This work is already making a real difference, cutting travel times, improving safety, and helping people get home to their families sooner.”

Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson said:

“Progress on Hexham Straight is full steam ahead, and it’s something locals can see and feel every day.

“These milestones aren’t just about concrete and asphalt, they’re about safer trips, more reliable freight routes and more time back in people’s days.”