More money needed for Story Bridge restoration as photos show extent of rust and corrosion

New photos have exposed the true extent of rust and corrosion on Brisbane’s famous Story Bridge as it nears the end of its lifespan, triggering urgent action as experts determine what’s needed to ensure it can serve the city for another 100 years.

Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge is approaching end of life. Picture: Brisbane City Council

• Wild history of Story Bridge

A team of national infrastructure experts has been assembled to ensure the future of Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge as an analysis of similar global projects reveals potential restoration costs of up to $1.5bn.

The 84-year-old heritage-listed steel bridge connecting Fortitude Valley to Kangaroo Point is rapidly approaching its end of life and needs significant investment to ensure it can continue serving Brisbane for another 100 years.

New photos show the extent of rust and corrosion on the bridge.

Work needed to restore it includes replacing rusted steel plates and rivets, and addressing damage caused by salt air corrosion.

Brisbane City Council has invested around $78m in maintenance and upgrades to the bridge since 2019.

But more complexities were found as more work was undertaken. The extensive repairs, which involved progressively stripping back old paint and applying new protective coatings, revealed major complexities that require a comprehensive restoration.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the expected cost burden was not one the council could bear alone.

A worker inspects part of the bridge. Picture: Brisbane City Council

Council is seeking $4.5m from the federal government to complete the detailed business case for the Story Bridge restoration.

“State and national governments have invested in the restoration of other historic bridges across the world, and we need our own state and federal governments (to do the same),” he said.

A cost analysis by Brisbane City Council of four similar global bridge restoration projects undertaken since the 2000s has revealed more than $2.59bn has been or will be invested into the projects, which are of a similar age to the Story Bridge.

Labor Opposition Leader Jared Cassidy said concerns were raised when the funding allocated for the Story Bridge restoration project “disappeared” from this year’s Council Budget papers.

He said $80 million over five years was originally allocated for this project.

“The LNP has overseen this council for two decades and has failed to maintain our city’s assets, he said.

“The Story Bridge restoration was poorly planned and poorly managed.

“They are happy to say the repair works are too much for them to handle but then go around splashing cash on attending the Paris Olympics, lavish opening parties and lavish opening parties and unnecessary advertising.”

The New South Wales government has invested $105m into the Sydney Harbour Bridge, more than $400m has been spent by the government of Canada on its Jacques Cartier Bridge and about $185m has been spent by the New Zealand government on the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

The most expensive budgeted works is the next restoration phase of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge commencing in 2025, which is expected to cost about $1.5bn and will be co-funded by federal, state and regional bodies. The huge price tag is on top of the more than $400m that has been spent in the past 24 years.

Mr Schrinner has assembled a Story Bridge Restoration Committee to develop a road map to restore the icon.

The bridge is being eaten away by rust and salt air corrosion. Picture: Brisbane City Council

The road map will examine the restorations of historic bridges across the globe, including funding strategies, and the scope of works required for a full restoration of the Story Bridge.

The committee will be chaired by prominent Queenslander Nigel Chamier AM, who is known for his leadership in the restorations of Brisbane City Hall and Anzac Square. It also includes independent advisers with expertise in heritage infrastructure, asset management, and finance, including contributions to works on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Mr Schrinner said that like the Sydney Harbour Bridge was in 2000, he wanted the Story Bridge it to be a focal point during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

Mr Chamier said a restoration of this scale required infrastructure experts who have worked on bridge restoration and major projects across Australia. “Now we’re progressing a detailed road map to outline what is required and how to fund the work required to extend the Story Bridge’s life for another generation,” he said.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg said the state government would have discussions with the council to understand the scope of works and open access to existing funding pathways.

More than 100,000 vehicles cross the bridge every day.

Story Bridge: 80 years in 54 pictures

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