Learn what Council is doing to restore and maintain the heritage-listed Story Bridge.
The Story Bridge was built 85 years ago and is one of Brisbane and Queensland’s most iconic and recognised landmarks.
The bridge provides a vital transport link and carries 100,000 vehicles and 4,000 pedestrians and cyclists daily, with 43% of users travelling from outside Brisbane.
While Council continues to significantly invest in its upkeep, the Story Bridge is reaching the end of its design life. It now requires a major restoration to preserve its legacy and keep Brisbane moving.
Council formed an independent committee in October 2024 to develop a restoration roadmap for the Story Bridge.
The below report outlines the committee’s findings and provides a pathway to restore the bridge over the next 20 years. It aims to ensure the national icon remains operational and celebrated beyond its 100th anniversary in 2040.
Works are underway to develop a detailed business case for the Story Bridge restoration. The business case is jointly funded with the Australian Government and will be completed in 2026.
Council has been responsible for the maintenance of the Story Bridge since 1947. This was when it was transferred from the Queensland Government to Council.
Over the last 20 years, we have solely funded more than $120 million in bridge improvements and maintenance activities This includes removing degraded paint, applying new protective steel coatings and extensive concrete and steel repairs.
Regardless of regular upkeep over many decades, the bridge has naturally aged. Itis now reaching the limits of what maintenance alone can achieve.
A major restoration is now essential to ensure its safety, functionality and longevity for future generations. It will also heal to preserve its role as a vital link in Brisbane’s transport network.
Council has assessed the condition of the footpaths as part of our long-term program to restore the Story Bridge over the next 20 years.
Works to install new footpath decking has been completed, with both footpaths now open for public use.
Asphalt ramps that meet accessibility standards have been installed at both ends of the footpaths to ensure safe and smooth access for everyone.
Initial works completed. Further detailed assessments required.
Restoration Business Case planning and assessments underway.
Restoration Committee report released and works commence.
Business Case development.
Restoration works commence subject to funding availability.
Hoardings, equipment, and fencing in Captain Burke Park will stay in place and maintenance crews will remain on site.
The load limits on the 2 outside bridge traffic lanes will remain.
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The Story Bridge is an ageing asset. While it has been well maintained, all ageing assets require restoration to extend their operational lives.
Recent works 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 sufficient. The Story Bridge requires a full restoration to ensure it can continue serving South East Queensland for another 100 years.
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.
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. Works also ensured the local road network continued to be safe and accessible for everyone.
However, the works and further engineering assessments revealed more comprehensive restoration works are required.
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. It will ensure the bridge remains operational and celebrated beyond its 100th anniversary in 2040.
With 43% of bridge users coming from outside of Brisbane, it’s not just up to Council to fund this important project.
The Australian Government has committed $2.25 million to support with the development of the business case.
A full restoration needs to be funded by all levels of government. This aligns with other bridges around the country and the world, that are similar in age, size and scale to the Story Bridge.
Council is ready to get on with the job of a major restoration to secure the bridge's future. However, we need State and Federal support to fund this once-in-a-century restoration.