Pedestrians, cyclists and scooter riders will once again be able to cross both sides of the Story Bridge, with the second footpath to reopen from tomorrow.
More than 750 metres of new decking has been installed across the bridge’s eastern and city-side footpaths, restoring the popular cross-river connection.
Strong, lightweight, custom-made panels have been fixed onto a locally sourced steel frame, replacing the old footpath decking with modern, durable infrastructure.
This is the same proven material successfully installed at the Cultural Centre boardwalk in 2021.
The city-side footpath reopened in October, with hard-working Council crews installing the decking in less than nine weeks.
The installation of decking on the eastern path took just 13 weeks and was completed months ahead of the forecast early-2026 opening.
Since the contract for the custom-made replacement decking was awarded in June, crews have clocked up more than 4,500 hours on site.
This $7 million investment in the replacement footpath decking adds to nearly $80 million invested in the Story Bridge since 2019.
The footpath works are part of a long-term plan to keep the 85-year-old bridge in great condition for the future.
The next phase is to deliver a detailed business case to the Australian Government exploring funding options for future works.
The business case continues to progress with industry engineering experts ARUP now appointed as technical advisors under Council’s delivery of the report.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:
“The Story Bridge is one of our city’s most love landmarks and we want it to continue serving residents safely now and in the future.
“We said we’d reopen the Story Bridge footpaths as soon as it was safe, and thanks to our teams’ incredible work, we’ve done it ahead of schedule.
“Our crews have done an incredible job, laying around 500 steel joists and 1,500 decking boards to get this vital link reopened.
“We now have a stronger, safer connection for everyone, as we continue delivering our long-term plan to extend the life of the Story Bridge into the next century.”
Quotes attributable to Acting Chair for Infrastructure Danita Parry:
“Delivering the final replacement footpath ahead of schedule means people can once again enjoy walking and riding across the river from tomorrow.
“I know it’s been a disruption, but I want to thank residents for their patience while these important works have been carried out.
“We’re proud to work with other levels of government on big, complex projects, and through our business case we’ll ensure the Story Bridge stands strong for generations.”
Quotes attributable to Nigel Chamier, Story Bridge Restoration Committee Chair:
“Anyone who owns an old Queenslander knows their home will inevitably need a major restoration. The same goes for the Story Bridge.
“The bridge has been well-maintained by Council with significant ongoing investment spent on its upkeep.
“However, the bridge is coming to the end of its design life and must be restored so it can remain an iconic fixture of the Brisbane skyline for another 100 years.
“The early reopening of the Story Bridge footpaths is a win for residents and proof of Council’s ongoing commitment to preserve a much-treasured national icon.”
