Upgrades and major maintenance to Stockton Bridge are complete after two years of work on the structure that carries an estimated 19,000 vehicles daily.

Custom-designed scaffolding on Stockton Bridge. Photo supplied: Andrew Constance

The NSW Government spent $6M on the upgrade to the bridge, which is an essential transport and freight link between Newcastle and Port Stephens.

“Almost 1000 heavy vehicles use the bridge every day, and the maintenance work, recently completed by Transport for NSW crews, is vital for the bridge’s continued accommodation of these freight vehicles,” Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said.

Interior of box girder inside the Stockton Bridge. Photo supplied.

“Most of the work was carried out in a confined space within the bridge, ensuring its structural integrity and safe operation in the future, while minimising the impact to drivers and the local community.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said a purpose-built and innovative scaffolding system helped keep the traffic flowing across the bridge while the exterior work was done.

“This apparatus has been key to the success and quality of work from the project team, allowing them to safely access difficult areas on Stockton Bridge, 35 metres above the Hunter River,” Martin said.

“I want to thank the community and road users for their patience while this work has been carried out on the Stockton Bridge over the past two years.”

Information source: Media release, Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance