Routine works on the Story Bridge are now complete, with all lanes reopened today, as scheduled.
As part of an ongoing maintenance and improvement program, the works were undertaken over the Easter break to coincide with lower traffic volumes and planned closures during the Tour de Brisbane event.
More than 70 team members worked day and night to complete the works, which included:
• Concrete repairs and spray works
• Concrete curing
• Pothole repairs
• Asphalt depth testing
During the partial and full bridge closures, road access was maintained for emergency services and both sides of the pedestrian footpaths were unaffected.
The Story Bridge is one of Australia’s most important transport connections, carrying more than 100,000 passenger, public transport and freight vehicles each day, with more than 40 per cent of trips taken by people travelling from outside Brisbane.
These works build on a steady pipeline of upgrades already underway on the Story Bridge as part of a multi-stage program.
More than $80 million was invested during the first stage of Story Bridge works from 2019.
The second stage involved the installation of new footpath decking, with more than 750 metres of new strong, lightweight, custom-made panels fixed to a locally sourced steel frame.
Following these latest works, the next stage will be a significant waterproofing project across the entire bridge deck along with a complete resurface.
The waterproofing and resurface works require periods of full bridge closure and will be undertaken in late 2026/early 2027 to coincide with lower traffic volumes.
Meanwhile, a detailed business case to plan the 20-year restoration project is being progressed with the appointment of engineering experts ARUP in November 2025.
As Story Bridge approaches its 100th birthday in 2040, the business case will map out the long-term restoration program, similar to the work undertaken on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Story Bridge’s sister bridge in Montreal, the Jacques Cartier Bridge.
The Story Bridge was originally built by the State Government between 1935 and 1940, later transferred to Council in 1947 when tolls were removed.
Quotes attributable to Infrastructure Chair Ryan Murphy:
“I thank residents for their patience, as well as our fantastic crews for their hard work undertaking these important bridge works.
“By timing these works with an existing event closure, we were able to conduct crucial maintenance and minimise disruption to the community.
“Our teams are on site at our Story Bridge depot year-round looking after the 85-year-old landmark and while these closures can be an inconvenience to drivers, they are essential.
“The next stage involves stripping, waterproofing and resurfacing the road, making it smoother and safer for the tens of thousands of motorists who use it every day.
“A detailed business case to map out the restoration project is underway and this significant project will ensure the Story Bridge is around for another 100 years.”
