Story Bridge – Preserving a National Icon
First Story Bridge footpath to reopen this year
Works have started to deliver replacement footpath decking on the iconic Story Bridge with one side expected to be open before the end of the year.
Crews have begun installing more than 1500 metres of locally sourced steel to build a brand-new support frame for the replacement footpath decking.
This frame will hold the strong, lightweight decking that will replace the aging footpaths.
The latest expert engineering advice found the footpaths should be replaced in the next two to five years.
However, out of an abundance of caution, Council made the decision to replace the footpaths now.
The city-side footpath will be the first to reopen later this year, with the eastern path to follow in 2026.
The custom-made footpath decking will be installed using a temporary special mobile platform that allows crews to work safely above the river.
Similar decking was installed on the Cultural Centre boardwalk near the Queensland Art Gallery and Queensland Library.
This almost $7 million investment to install the replacement footpath decking is in addition to the nearly $80 million invested in the Story Bridge since 2019.
This upgrade is part of the long-term restoration plan to keep the 85-year-old in great condition for the future.
The $5 million Story Bridge Restoration Business Case, jointly funded with the Federal Government, will also be completed in 2026.
The business case will develop a staged plan to progressively restore the Story Bridge as required over the next 15 to 20 years.
The Story Bridge is 85 years old and built to last 100 years.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said:
“The Story Bridge is just like every old Queenslander home, you can keep up maintenance by painting and plugging the leaks, but eventually you need to replace the roof and redo the stumps.
“Installing this new decking is a vital step to getting the Story Bridge footpaths open again for Brisbane residents and visitors.
“We’ve sourced Australian steel and are using our own Council crews to get the job done as quickly and safely as possible.
“Our plan is to have one footpath reopened by the end of this year so people can once again choose the Story Bridge as an option if they’re walking or cycling across Brisbane.
“This is part of our long-term investment to ensure the Story Bridge remains a vital transport connection as well as one of our most iconic and recognisable landmarks for generations to come.”