A $6 MILLION upgrade of Stockton Bridge will begin next month, requiring diversions for some of the 19,000 vehicles that use the span daily.
From November 4 the works will be undertaken to strengthen the bridge and assure its structural integrity as a major thoroughfare for heavy vehicles and the primary link between Newcastle and Williamtown's airport.
"The bridge work will also help support eight full time positions and provide work for about 50 contractors and suppliers in these difficult times," Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Catherine Cusack said.
Scaffolding will be installed on November 4, with works due to run from 7pm to 5am Sunday to Thursday.
The project is due to take nine months, weather permitting.
Night work and lane closures will be required, but the majority of the work will be performed from scaffolding underneath the landmark.
At least one lane will remain open each way at all times, the state government said, but vehicles weighing more than 68 tonnes will be required to use the Hexham Bridge via the M1 Motorway or Cabbage Tree Road.
