Learn what Council is doing to renew and maintain the heritage-listed Story Bridge.
The Story Bridge was built 86 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 from outside Brisbane.
While we continue to significantly invest in its upkeep, the Story Bridge is reaching the end of its design life. It now requires a major renewal to preserve its legacy and keep Brisbane moving.
We are nearing the completion of a detailed business case for the Story Bridge renewal. The business case is jointly funded with the Australian Government. You can read about the progress of the Story Bridge Renewal Business Case in the below report.
We formed an independent committee in October 2024 to develop a renewal roadmap for the Story Bridge.
The below report outlines the committee’s findings and provides a pathway to renew the bridge over the next 20 years. It aims to ensure the national icon remains operational and celebrated beyond its 100th anniversary in 2040.
We have been responsible for maintaining the Story Bridge since 1947. This was when it was transferred from the Queensland Government to Council.
Over the last 20 years, we have funded more than $120 million in bridge improvements and maintenance activities. Works included 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. It is now reaching the limits of what maintenance alone can achieve.
A major renewal is essential to ensure its safety and functionality, preserving its role as a vital link in Brisbane’s transport network for future generations.
Did you know that the Story Bridge structure not only spans across the Brisbane River, but also part of the Kangaroo Point peninsula?
The Story Bridge structure is made up of the main bridge span, steel approach spans and concrete approach spans.
The total length of the Story Bridge structure is 1071 metres.
Initial works completed. Further detailed assessments required.
Business Case planning and assessments underway.
Committee report released and works commence.
Business Case development.
Renewal 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.
We will continue with our ongoing maintenance program for the Story Bridge. Where possible works are undertaken during the day, however some work activities need to occur at night due to lane closure requirements.
For more information you can:
The Story Bridge is an ageing asset. While it has been well maintained, all ageing assets require renewal to extend their operational lives.
Our recent works 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 renewal 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 renewal 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. Renewal 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, we began renewal 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 renewal works are required.
We are progressing a detailed business case for the full renewal of the Story Bridge. The business case will confirm scope, staging and the cost of works to renew the bridge. It will ensure the bridge remains operational and celebrated beyond its 100th anniversary in 2040.
With 43% of bridge users 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 renewal 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.
We are ready to get on with the job of a major renewal to secure the bridge's future. However, we need State and Federal support to fund this once-in-a-century renewal.