Story Bridge to close over summer Operation Smooth rolls on.
The road deck of Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge is getting a makeover, with a large portion to be resurfaced over the summer Christmas period.
It’s the latest key arterial road set to be resurfaced as part of the Schrinner Council’s Operation Smooth program.
The initiative will see a record $110 million invested in renewing Brisbane’s road network and is on track to deliver the best resurfacing year in the city’s history.
The entire southern approach and parts of the northern approach to the Story Bridge will be resurfaced over the Christmas period.
The works will also include structural deck maintenance and waterproofing, keeping the road deck smoother for longer.
Motorists will still be able to cross the river using Brisbane’s broader network of bridges, and tunnels throughout the closure.
The Story Bridge will require a full closure for three weeks while the project is completed.
The bridge will be closed to general traffic from 1am Sunday 27 December 2026 until 5am Monday 18 January 2027
Crews will work around the clock to renew the bridge’s southern approach, which runs from the section of the bridge that goes over Rotherham Street to Holman Street in Kangaroo Point.
The closure has been scheduled during the Christmas school holidays when traffic volumes are significantly lower.
Motorists should plan ahead, use alternative routes and allow for extra time to get to their destination.
Council is working with Translink to minimise impacts to bus services.
Pedestrians, cyclists and scooter riders can continue using the eastern footpath, while emergency vehicles responding to urgent incidents will retain access.
The western footpath will also be closed during the works to support construction activities.
Residents can still use the nearby Captain Cook Bridge to cross the river for free
HISTORY of Story Bridge Operation Smooth
Opened in 1940, the Story Bridge now carries more than 100,000 vehicle movements a day, with over 40 per cent originating outside Brisbane.
More than $80 million has been invested in the bridge since 2019, including replacing both footpaths.
Council is finalising a detailed business case to map out the bridge’s 20-year renewal in partnership with both the State and Federal governments.
“We’re investing a record amount in Brisbane’s roads as part of Operation Smooth, and that includes resurfacing our iconic bridges,” said Infrastructure Chair Ryan Murphy
“We are investing a record $110 million in renewing Brisbane’s road network as part of Operation Smooth.
“A key plank of that investment is resurfacing the southern approach to the Story Bridge, and residents can look forward to a smoother ride in the new year.
“We’ll use this closure to perform other key structural maintenance, as well as waterproof the road deck so it lasts longer in the future.
“We’ve selected the peak of the summer holidays to perform this work to minimise disruption to the community.
“We know closing the Story Bridge will be disruptive and we appreciate the public’s patience while we perform this important work.”
Residents can still use the nearby Captain Cook Bridge to cross the river for free.
More information HERE