Everything you need to know about Brisbane’s Story Bridge

A new report has revealed the shock state of Brisbane’s Story Bridge. Here’s everything you need to know about the iconic landmark.

A new report has revealed the shock state of Brisbane’s Story Bridge, saying that without costly repairs it’s headed for demolition.

Here’s everything you need to know about the iconic landmark.

How old is it?

Construction of Australia’s longest steel cantilever bridge began in 1935 and finished in 1940 — making the Story Bridge 85 years old.

Why does the Story Bridge need to be restored?

According to the Story Bridge Restoration Committee Report, it was built during the Great Depression — a time when “immediate need and cost-saving measures were prioritised over long-term durability”. It means a 100-year lifespan was never expected, and at 85, the bridge has had a fair wicket without a significant overhaul.

Erection of formwork for the bridge’s last panel of reinforced concrete roadway slab. Picture: Queensland State Archives

How much will this restoration cost?

Unsure. Council has been given $2.25m in federal government funding to progress a detailed business case and this will determine the timelines and true cost of the project.

What happens if we don’t restore the bridge?

According to the report, the do nothing option would mean the footpaths would not reopen, movement on the bridge would need to be restricted during the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, by 2035 public transport and freight would be banned, and by 2045 the bridge would be shut down. After this demolition is likely.

Can’t we just dismantle the bridge and put it back together?

As per the report once more, this isn’t possible. It’s a heritage listed asset so the Story Bridge can’t be removed and rebuilt. And building a new bridge would be disruptive and cost in the billions. According to the committee the restoration is ultimately cheaper.

■ Read about the wild history of the Story Bridge

Restoration works in 2020 to repair and strengthen the bridge but more extensive problems have since been uncovered. Picture: Brisbane City Council

Why is the restoration of the Story Bridge so expensive?

A full restoration would be costly, according to the committee, as there are many factors at play. “Some works require innovation in terms of access and safety considerations, given the limited space available for plant and equipment. Much of the scope would focus on the bridge’s main span, which would also require careful consideration due to the tidal river underneath.”

Would the bridge be closed during restoration works?

Expect the impact on traffic to be “significant”. But timings won’t be known until the detailed business case is finalised.

Is the bridge safe?

According to council the safety of the users of the bridge, as well as those who live or work in its vicinity, “is of utmost importance”. “If safety is ever at risk to those users, Council would take immediate and appropriate action to rectify this.”

Why didn’t restoration works start earlier?

In addition to ongoing maintenance activities, Brisbane City Council points out it began restoration works in 2020 to repair and strengthen the bridge. This included abrasive blasting of all coatings, new protective coating of steel and extensive concrete and steel repairs.

But this led to more engineering assessments which uncovered far more comprehensive works were needed to extend the bridge’s life for another 100 years. It’s like going to the physio for random knee pain and realising you tore your ACL a decade ago.

Story Bridge is currently closed on both sides to pedestrians. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

How much will a toll be?

This isn’t clear if it at all happens, but for comparison purposes the most expensive option at the Sydney Harbour Bridge is $4.27.

How much would a special levy on Brisbane City Council residents be?

It should be noted Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has deemed a levy “unacceptable” because half of the traffic on the Story Bridge comes from outside the council area.

Brisbane City Council had considered a compulsory levy for all ratepayers to pitch in to restore City Hall more than a decade ago, but this turned into a voluntary $15 per quarter and the project was ultimately funded through multiple channels including a federal government grant.

Originally published as Everything you need to know about Brisbane’s Story Bridge