BCC has confirmed that at least one of the Story Bridge footpaths in Kangaroo Point is expected to reopen by the end of 2025 following months of closure due to structural concerns.
Footpath Access to Resume in Kangaroo Point
The anticipated reopening of pedestrian access on the Story Bridge in Kangaroo Point follows a major safety-driven closure earlier this year. BCC has allocated $18 million to support the restoration, which includes installing new decking and undertaking urgent repairs to enable at least one footpath to reopen before the end of the year.
Cause of Closure and Urgent Inspections
On 5 March 2025, both footpaths were closed as a precaution after inspections revealed structural concerns. The timing, which occurred days before Cyclone Alfred reached Brisbane, prompted questions from residents. Initial engineering reports suggested the footpaths had remaining service life, but further detailed inspections found more extensive rust, corrosion, and concrete damage than previously recorded.
Restoration Work Underway
To facilitate reopening, BCC has allocated $6.7 million for new decking to be placed over the existing footpaths, with manufacturing expected to take 17 weeks. Installation will occur partly at night due to necessary lane closures. An additional $6.2 million will go towards urgent structural repairs.
Protective netting is already being installed beneath the footpaths to prevent hazards from falling debris. These works form part of a broader long-term restoration plan aimed at extending the bridge’s lifespan to 2040.
Long-Term Plan and Future Restrictions
Over 100,000 vehicles and 4,000 pedestrians, and cyclists use the Story Bridge daily. BCC has committed to a 15-year restoration strategy, and a federal grant of $2.25 million supports a business case to secure further funding.
Without full restoration, future use of the bridge may be restricted, with limitations on freight and public transport by 2035 and potential closure by 2045.
Community Disruption
The footpath closure has forced many Kangaroo Point commuters to rely on detours, including the nearby Kangaroo Point Green Bridge. However, parts of the alternate routes remain blocked, leading to extended travel times of up to 2.5 kilometres for some users.
Cycling groups have proposed using a traffic lane as a temporary pedestrian and cycling path, but this has not been adopted.
Next Steps
BCC will continue temporary restoration activities while working toward reopening the first footpath. No external funding commitments have been confirmed beyond the business case, although BCC is seeking contributions from both state and federal governments for a full bridge upgrade.
Published 20-June-2025
