The state government has provided $200 million under to get the project ready for construction including $7 million this financial year to continue planning.

“Roads and Maritime Services has made improvements to the design of the extension since it was displayed for community comment late last year,” Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald said.

The changes are designed to provide better access to Heatherbrae from the south and improve traffic flow and safety at Tomago and Black Hill near the Weakleys Drive intersection.

“Access arrangements at Tomago and Heatherbrae were revised and improved after community and stakeholder feedback,” Mr MacDonald said.

“Changes to the design include providing a motorway exit ramp south of Heatherbrae to improve access to businesses and a free flowing interchange at Tomago to replace the previously proposed roundabout design.”

A separate road to the Botanic Gardens is proposed to provide safe access via Old Punt Road.

Other changes in the design include moving the link road near Tomago Aluminium further west and an extra lane on the northbound exit ramp approaching the Weakleys Drive and John Renshaw Drive intersection at Beresfield.

Planning for the project started in October 2004 and has involved an extensive community consultation program to identify a preferred route and develop a concept design.

Timing to build the extension is not confirmed and is dependent on planning approval, future traffic needs and funding availability.

Feedback is invited by Wednesday 28 September via email at M1RT@jacobs.com, in writing to Locked Bag 2030, Newcastle or by phoning 1800 094 895 during business hours.

For more information please visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au/m1rt