Story Bridge restoration project - Kangaroo Point
Learn what Council is doing to restore and maintain the heritage-listed Story Bridge.
A team of national infrastructure experts has outlined a roadmap to restore the Story Bridge by 2040.
Built 85 years ago, the Story Bridge is one of the most iconic and recognisable landmarks in Brisbane and Queensland.
The bridge also serves as a vital transport connection, carrying 100,000 vehicles and 4,000 pedestrians and cyclists daily.
Despite significant ongoing investment by Council, the bridge now requires major restoration to extend its operational life.
In October 2024, Council appointed an independent committee to develop a restoration roadmap for the Story Bridge.
The below report outlines the committee’s findings and a pathway to restore the Story Bridge over the next 15 years.
The Australian Government has provided $2.25 million to develop a detailed business case by 2027. The goal is to complete the restoration by the bridge’s 100th anniversary in 2040.
Footpath Restoration Works
Council closed the bridge footpaths in March 2025 ahead of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Engineers needed to complete a structural assessment before reopening the footpaths because of their age.
Council’s assessment found water leaking through the concrete for the first time. We also confirmed the footpaths need more work before they can reopen.
Council is installing protective netting beneath the footpaths. We will also investigate adding a temporary structure to one path before fully restoring both.
Council will share more information once it confirms the construction plans.
- 2019-2024: Initial works completed. Further detailed assessments required.
- April 2025: Restoration Business Case planning and assessments underway.
- May 2025: Restoration Committee report released and temporary works commence.
- Mid-late 2027: Business Case complete.
- 2028: Restoration works commence subject to funding availability.
The shared paths will remain closed to allow for temporary works to be undertaken.
Hoardings, equipment, and fencing in Captain Burke Park will stay in place and maintenance crews will remain on site.
The load limits on for the 2 outside bridge traffic lanes will remain.
Alternate travel options
The following options are available for travel while the shared paths are closed.
Kangaroo Point Bridge
- Users can detour via the Kangaroo Point Bridge while the shared paths remain closed. This active transport bridge ends at Alice Street in the City Botanic Gardens.
- From there, travel safely along Edward, Margaret, Felix and Eagle Streets. At the signalised Charlotte and Creek Street intersection, turn right and continue along Eagle Street to rejoin the City Reach Boardwalk from the northern section of the boardwalk near Adelaide Street or Elizabeth Street. Continue along the boardwalk to reach Howard Smith Wharves.
Ferries
- Cross river ferries run between Dockside (Kangaroo Point) and Sydney Street (New Farm) and Holman Street (Kangaroo Point) and Riverside.
- CityCat ferries run between Sydney Street and Howard Smith Wharves.
- Users are able to travel on ferries and CityCat’s with their bicycles.
Buses
On the Kangaroo Point side:
- Bus route 234 runs from the bus stop on Baildon Street at Story Bridge Hotel, Kangaroo Point. It travels to Stop 218 at All Hallows along Ann Street on Fortitude Valley. This service runs every 15 minutes in peak periods and takes approximately 7 minutes.
On the Fortitude Valley side:
- Bus route 227 run from stop 228 in Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley and travels to stop 6 at Kangaroo Point. It takes approximately 5 minutes.
- Bus route 234 runs from stop 234 at All Hallows along Ann Street in Fortitude Valley. It travels to Baildon Street at the Story Bridge Hotel, Kangaroo Point. This service runs every 15 minutes in peak periods.
For more information:
- phone Council on 07 3178 5413
- email Council.
Frequently asked questions
The Story Bridge is an ageing asset. While it has been well maintained, all ageing assets require restoration to prolong their operational lives.
Recent restoration work undertaken by Brisbane City Council revealed various complexities that were previously unknown. Further detailed analysis and condition assessments have determined that ongoing maintenance activities will not be enough and 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 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, the paths will remain closed while potential temporary and long-term replacement solutions are investigated.
To mitigate potential safety issues, Brisbane City Council is fast-tracking 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 and 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 and involves major works including repairs, strengthening or even replacement of structural components to bring 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, Brisbane City 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 this report for a detailed breakdown of these activities.
In addition to ongoing maintenance activities, Brisbane City 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. Brisbane City 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 in time for its 100th birthday in 2040, ensuring it continues to serve the region for the century ahead.