Kangaroo Point residents and travellers are being advised to plan ahead for a three-week closure of the Story Bridge over the summer holidays, with major maintenance works temporarily closing the key road link between Kangaroo Point and Fortitude Valley.
Read: Brisbane Turns to Darren Lockyer in Push for $3.6B Story Bridge Renewal
The bridge will close to all road traffic from 1am on Sunday, 27 December 2026, until Monday, 18 January 2027, while Brisbane City carries out waterproofing, resurfacing, and bridge maintenance works. The eastern footpath will remain open during the closure, allowing pedestrians, cyclists and scooter riders to continue crossing the river.
Major works planned for the bridge
The works will include major waterproofing and resurfacing on the southern approach of the Story Bridge in Kangaroo Point, along with resurfacing along sections of the Bradfield Highway north and south of the bridge.
More than 8,200 square metres of road surface will be removed as part of the works, with crews also set to clean and repair the concrete bridge deck where needed before installing new waterproofing and laying a new road surface.
Maintenance will also be carried out on expansion joints along the main bridge span. BCC said crews will work around the clock, subject to weather and construction conditions, as part of its Operation Smooth program.
The closure has been scheduled during the December and January holiday period, when fewer vehicles are typically on the road. BCC’s September closure information said the timing was intended to reduce disruption while the work is carried out.
People travelling by road from Kangaroo Point will need to use alternative river crossings during the closure, depending on their destination. BCC said navigation apps including Google Maps, Waze and Apple Maps can help motorists choose alternative cross-river routes.
The Story Bridge currently carries about 100,000 vehicles each day, as well as thousands of pedestrians and cyclists, making the closure a significant change for people who regularly use the crossing.
What will stay open?
The road closure will not prevent people from walking or riding across the bridge. The eastern footpath will remain open for pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter riders, while the western footpath will close temporarily to allow construction activities to take place.
Emergency services vehicles responding to urgent incidents with lights and sirens will retain access across the bridge during the closure. Motorists are being encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and check QLDTraffic for traffic conditions and diversions. Some bus routes will also be affected, with public transport users advised to check Translink for service information closer to the closure.
Part of a longer renewal plan
The maintenance works are taking place alongside Brisbane’s longer-term plans to renew the heritage-listed bridge. BCC said its renewal program is being informed by a detailed business case and specialist engineering advice, with future works expected to include steel and concrete repairs, replacement of ageing components, improvements to bridge access, and upgrades to essential services.
Read: Story Bridge Adventure Climb Takes the Thrill Higher with ‘The Swing’
The current timeline lists minor renewal works as commencing in early 2027, while major renewal works are scheduled to begin from late 2027 and beyond, subject to funding availability.
Once the works are completed, the Story Bridge is scheduled to reopen to road traffic, while planning continues for the major renewal works.
The closure will temporarily change a familiar route across the river. Anyone travelling through the area during the holiday period is being encouraged to check their route before setting out and allow for the temporary changes.
Published 28-September-2026
