Story Bridge restoration

The Story Bridge is an ageing asset and is reaching the end of its design life. While it has been well maintained, all ageing assets require restoration to prolong their operational lives.

Recent restoration work undertaken by Council revealed various complexities that were previously unknown. Further detailed analysis and condition assessments have determined that ongoing maintenance activities will not be enough. The Story Bridge requires major intervention and a full restoration to ensure it can continue serving South East Queensland for another 100 years.

A full restoration would be costly as it would involve numerous facets of work across the bridge. Some works require innovation in terms of access and safety considerations, given the limited space available for plant and equipment. Much of the scope would focus on the bridge’s main span, which would also require careful consideration due to the tidal river underneath.  

The business case would confirm how the restoration works would be undertaken. Given the volume of daily traffic on the bridge, it is acknowledged that the impact of closures would be significant. In the past, Council has closed the bridge to undertake maintenance works at times least impactful to bridge users. As the scope and timing of the restoration program is confirmed, information would be shared regarding works and any closures that may be necessary. 

The safety of the users of the bridge, as well as those who live or work in its vicinity, is of utmost importance. Council engineers undertake regular detailed inspections of the bridge and monitor its condition day to day. Detailed testing and assessments are also undertaken by external experts. If safety is ever at risk to those users, Council would take immediate and appropriate action to rectify this.

A recent example of this was Council’s decision in March 2025 to close the footpaths to prioritise public safety. This was in preparation for the expected 90 km/hr winds forecast for Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Assessments undertaken after the cyclone showed the paths have deteriorated at an accelerated pace. As a result, temporary decking was installed and both paths have now reopened.

To mitigate potential safety issues, Council also fast-tracked the installation of protective netting to contain concrete spalling.

No. As a heritage listed asset, the Story Bridge cannot be removed and rebuilt. Building a new bridge will be significantly disruptive to the inner suburbs of Brisbane. It is expected that constructing a new bridge would be far costlier than the preliminary estimates for restoring the current structure. 

Bridge maintenance involves routine, preventative activities performed regularly to preserve a bridge structure and keep it in serviceable condition. Maintenance is typically less expensive and disruptive. It is scheduled based on regular inspection cycles with the goal of ensuring the bridge remains operational. Inspection also ensures it meets its intended design life by addressing small issues before they become significant problems.

In contrast, bridge restoration involves more significant intervention to restore a bridge to its original condition or improve its functionality. It is much more extensive than regular bridge maintenance. It involves major works including repairs, strengthening or even replacement of structural components. This brings the structure back to a serviceable condition and extend its operational life. Restoration is typically much more expensive. It occurs when bridge structures are nearing the end of their design life and inspections reveal issues than cannot be addressed through routine maintenance.

Yes, Council has been carrying out significant ongoing maintenance and repair works since taking stewardship of the Story Bridge in 1947. See pages 14 and 15 of the committee report for a detailed breakdown of these activities.

In addition to ongoing maintenance activities, Council began restoration works in 2020 to repair and strengthen the bridge. Works included abrasive blasting of all coatings, new protective coating of steel and extensive concrete and steel repairs.

These works maintained the structural integrity and heritage of the iconic bridge while ensuring the local road network continued to be safe and accessible for everyone. However, the works and further engineering assessments revealed more comprehensive restoration works were required to extend the bridge’s life for another 100 years. Council is now progressing a detailed business case for the full restoration of the Story Bridge. The business case will confirm scope, staging and the cost of works to restore the bridge over the next 20 years, ensuring it continues to serve the region for the century ahead.

Council closed the footpaths on the Story Bridge on 5 March 2025. 

Structural assessments recommended solutions be implemented before reopening. Council installed new footpath decking and both paths were reopened in late 2025.

Assessments have shown the paths are at a higher risk of corrosion and faster deterioration than previously thought. To mitigate potential safety issues, Council fast-tracked the installation of protective netting to contain concrete spalling.

The netting was completed in July 2025.

The Story Bridge Adventure Climb was not impacted by the footpath closures.