A PUSH by trucking companies to run heavier vehicles along some of the Port's major access roads has prompted the council to undertake much-needed structural investigation work.
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Port Stephens Council has received funding under the NSW government's Fixing Country Roads initiative to carry out testing at three critical locations.
The Jimmy Scott bridge at Seaham was opened in 1973 by the Department of Public Works and the council has received a $50,000 grant to determine its load limit.
Rick Mackenzie, civil projects engineer, said the money will be used to determine whether the bridge could handle increased loads from larger, modern trucks.
"Council was also successful in receiving $10,000 to undertake tests on six culverts along Old Punt Road, Tomago, and 13 culverts along The Bucketts Way," Mr Mackenzie said.
"The funding means they will be independently assessed and either signed off that they can handle higher mass limit trucks, or we can begin to plan for required upgrades."
Traffic may be disrupted during tests.
