Thousands of Brisbane residents who rely daily on the Story Bridge in Kangaroo Point for walking, cycling, and e-scooter travel have suddenly found themselves stranded, facing detours up to 2.5 kilometres after both pedestrian footpaths were closed indefinitely.
Sudden Closure and Unclear Reopening Date
On 5 March, Council shut both the eastern and western footpaths of the Story Bridge. Authorities initially cited safety concerns ahead of Cyclone Alfred, but the closures came days before the cyclone reached the city, prompting questions and criticism from residents.
The closures have disrupted commuters’ daily routines, particularly because recommended detours lead pedestrians and cyclists to other blocked routes within the CBD. For example, residents travelling between Kangaroo Point or Woolloongabba to Fortitude Valley or Bowen Hills are being redirected towards the Kangaroo Point green bridge. However, parts of this suggested route along the City Riverwalk are also currently shut, complicating matters further.
It was further explained that the closures are necessary for engineers to inspect potential damage and assess the iconic bridge’s overall condition.
Bridge Safety and Funding Assessment
This timing has caused confusion and frustration among users. However, LM Adrian Schrinner clarified that the closure provided an opportunity to begin necessary inspections funded by a recently received $2.25 million federal grant.
These inspections will help identify structural issues and plan future upgrades for the Story Bridge. While authorities have not given a definitive reopening date, they have indicated the paths may remain closed for several weeks.
Infrastructure chair Mr Andrew Wines emphasised safety as the priority despite acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the closures.
Calls for Practical Solutions
Local cycling groups have proposed a practical solution to ease disruption.
Brisbane CBD Bicycle User Group suggested temporarily partitioning off one traffic lane of the bridge for safe pedestrian and cyclist use, similar to successful arrangements made previously on Coronation Drive. The proposal highlights a simple alternative to complicated detours, though Council has not yet committed to this suggestion.
The unexpected closures highlight ongoing challenges Brisbane faces in maintaining its ageing infrastructure. Last year, Council presented images revealing significant rust and corrosion on parts of the Story Bridge, emphasising the urgency for upgrades to maintain safety and longevity.
Residents remain unsure when the Story Bridge footpaths will reopen, with city officials advising the public to prepare for several more weeks of inconvenience.
Published 19-March-2025
