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.”
story-bridge-footpath-decking_fact sheet
Story Bridge -Works notice – May 2025
9th September 2025
Story Bridge footpath replacement ahead of schedule
More than half of the first replacement footpath on Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge has been installed, with works tracking ahead of schedule.
Crews have been working tirelessly to deliver the replacement footpath decking, with strong, lightweight panels now being installed to replace the ageing footpaths.
The locally sourced steel frame was installed in August, and now more than half of the custom-made decking panels on the first side have been fitted.
This progress means the city-side footpath is on track to reopen even sooner than anticipated, giving Brisbane residents and visitors back a vital and safe connection for walking and cycling across the river.
The city-side footpath will reopen first later this year, with the eastern path to follow. More than 150 of the 300 metres of new footpath on the first side has already been laid.
The almost $7 million investment to install the new 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 bridge in great condition for generations to come.
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 was built by the Queensland Government to last 100 years.
“Brisbane residents will be pleased to know the delivery of replacement footpath decking on the Story Bridge is not only progressing well and is now ahead of schedule.
“More than half of the first footpath has already been installed, which means locals and visitors will be able to safely walk and cycle across the Story Bridge again even sooner than expected.
“This is an incredible engineering effort using Australian steel and our hardworking full-time bridge maintenance crews to deliver a safer and stronger Story Bridge.
“Our investment ensures this Brisbane icon will continue to serve our city as both a vital transport link and a landmark that people around the world recognise.”
Story Bridge footpath replacement ahead of schedule
2nd October UPDATE
First Story Bridge footpath to reopen tomorrow
Pedestrians and cyclists can return to the Story Bridge from tomorrow, with the first replacement footpath delivered early.
Around 300 metres of replacement footpath decking has been laid on the city-side footpath to restore the walking and cycling connection across the Brisbane River.
Strong, lightweight, custom-made panels have been fixed onto a locally sourced steel frame, replacing the ageing paths with modern infrastructure.
This is the same material successfully installed at the Cultural Centre boardwalk in 2021.
The latest expert advice confirmed the footpaths could last another two to five years, but the replacements were fast-tracked to put community safety first.
The contract for the custom-made replacement footpath decking was awarded on 16 June, and works were able to start on site within seven weeks.
The hard-working Council crews delivered the entire cityside works in less than nine weeks.
Installation of decking on the eastern path has now begun.
Originally scheduled for completion in early 2026, the eastern path is on track for early completion after the successful delivery of the city-side works.
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 bridge in great condition for the future.
The Story Bridge is 85 years old and built to last 100 years.
Brisbane’s Story Bridge is one of our city’s most loved landmarks, and these works are about making sure it continues to serve residents safely now and into the future.
Delivering the first replacement footpath ahead of schedule means pedestrians and cyclists will once again be able to enjoy walking and riding across the river from tomorrow.
I want to thank residents for their patience while these works have been carried out.
I know it’s been a disruption, but the result is a stronger and safer pathway for everyone.
This project is part of our long-term plan to restore the Story Bridge so it remains in great condition for future generations.”