The Story Bridge, one of Brisbane’s busiest and most historic crossings, is facing a complete traffic shutdown this Friday morning as local residents prepare to walk across all six lanes in protest over pedestrian access.
The demonstration is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. on Friday, 30 May, and is being organised by local advocates calling for one lane of the bridge to be permanently allocated to cyclists, pedestrians and scooter users. Their demand follows the March closure of both footpaths on the Story Bridge, a decision made by Brisbane City Council due to structural safety concerns.
Footpath Closures Spark Public Backlash
Footpath access was removed in March when engineers discovered accelerated deterioration following preparations for Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Safety checks revealed concrete spalling and corrosion, prompting immediate closures. Council has committed to fast-tracking repairs, including the installation of protective netting, but no exact timeline has been given for reopening the footpaths.
In the meantime, detours via the Kangaroo Point Bridge and public ferry services such as CityCat and KittyKat have been offered as alternatives. Still, many commuters argue these options are inconvenient and poorly integrated into their daily travel.
A Protest on the City’s Artery
Activists say the action is about reclaiming safe access for thousands of daily non-vehicle users who rely on the bridge. Organisers maintain that the protest has been legally lodged with the Queensland Police Service and the council under the Peaceful Assembly Act. They have stated their intention to comply with any lawful directions, including potential court orders.
Local authorities, however, have labelled the protest as dangerous and disruptive, citing concerns for traffic flow and public safety. Brisbane’s Infrastructure Chair Cr Andrew Wines said closing traffic lanes would create gridlock not only on the Story Bridge but across key parts of the inner-city road network, including the Riverside Expressway and Inner City Bypass.
While the protest is not officially connected to any political party or environmental group, the council expressed concern over its scale and timing. LM Adrian Schrinner described it as an attempt to disrupt the city under the banner of community advocacy.
Long-Term Future of the Bridge in Focus
Beyond the current conflict, the situation has highlighted a deeper challenge: the ageing condition of the Story Bridge. A recent restoration committee report shows that despite more than $120 million spent on repairs over the past two decades, the bridge is now nearing the limits of what maintenance alone can achieve.
Built during the Great Depression, the Story Bridge carries more than 100,000 vehicles and up to 4,000 pedestrians and cyclists every day. It’s classified as an “at-risk” structure and is expected to require major restoration to stay operational past 2045. Footpath restoration is considered urgent, with a full business case underway to scope works for the bridge’s 100th anniversary in 2040.
Who Pays for the Fix?
Restoring the Story Bridge will not be cheap. Experts warn the project could cost hundreds of millions of dollars over 15 years, with Brisbane City Council pushing for a funding partnership involving state and federal governments. Without it, the council may need to consider less popular options such as tolls or special rate levies on local ratepayers.
The report also warns that if no action is taken, increasing safety risks could eventually lead to restrictions on freight, public transport and even private vehicles. By 2045, permanent closure is a real possibility.
As the community lines up on both sides of this Friday’s protest, one thing is clear—how Brisbane chooses to move forward with the Story Bridge may shape how the city moves for generations to come.
Published 28-May-2025
