BY BEN COLLISON
The State Government will supply $4.5 million for maintenance work to be carried out on the Old Karuah Bridge.
The work will see structural improvements made to reduce the ongoing maintenance costs and increase the longevity of the bridge.
The bridge was opened in 1957 and was a main feature of the Pacific Highway before the Karuah Bypass was opened in 2004.
Despite the bypass shifting traffic away from Karuah, the bridge has been an iconic landmark within the Hunter, often the backdrop for the annual Karuah Oyster Festival.
The work starting this month is expected to take 12 months to complete with a fair portion being carried out during low tides in order to preserve the safety of workers.
Port Stephens MP, Kate Washington says "the much loved landmark has been servicing our community and travelers for 70 years and by investing in this important maintenance work, we are ensuring the Old Karuah Bridge will keep standing strong for many more decades to come".
