Story Bridge restoration Archives

Story Bridge Restoration Moves Forward with Business Case Funding

The first step towards the Story Bridge restoration is now underway, with funding secured to develop a business case for its long-term maintenance and refurbishment.

Read: Bridge in Distress: $4.5M Needed to Rescue Ageing Story Bridge in Kangaroo Point

As one of the city’s most recognised landmarks, the 85-year-old structure requires extensive work to ensure it remains safe and functional for all users, including drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and climbers.

Business Case and Funding Allocation

Photo credit: Steve Asiri Jayatilake/Google Maps

The federal government has allocated $2.25 million to develop a business case that will assess the cost and scope of Story Bridge’s necessary restoration work. This funding is part of Australia’s broader infrastructure investment plan aimed at revitalising Brisbane’s transport network.

In total, approximately $150 million has been allocated to existing projects, with $50 million supporting new initiatives, including the Story Bridge Renewal Business Case.

Cr Adrian Schrinner welcomed the funding, stating, “This funding will also help us progress a business case to ensure the Story Bridge continues to play a critical role in the national transport network for another 100 years.”

Current Condition of the Bridge

story bridge restoration — Photo credit: Craig Hintz/Google Maps

Brisbane has already completed initial restoration efforts, including the removal of airtight scaffolding, external white shrink wrap, an air filtration system, and various on-site equipment. However, engineering assessments have revealed that more extensive restoration is required to address structural issues such as rusted steel plates, deteriorating rivets, and salt air corrosion.

Since 2019, Council has invested around $78 million in maintaining and upgrading the bridge, but as more work has been undertaken, additional complexities have emerged, highlighting the need for further financial support and a structured restoration plan.

To oversee the planning process, Brisbane has established the Story Bridge Restoration Committee, composed of experts in asset management, structural engineering, and infrastructure investment.

The committee is led by Nigel Chamier AM, who is renowned for his leadership in restoring Brisbane City Hall and ANZAC Square. Peter Burnton, a structural engineering expert with experience in heritage and river infrastructure, brings critical knowledge to the team.

John T. Hardwick, an asset management specialist instrumental in major transport networks across NSW, also joins the committee, along with Graham McHugh, a finance and accounts executive specialising in infrastructure investment and complex asset management.

Read: Story Bridge Restoration: City Hall Savior Takes on New Challenge

Next Steps in the Restoration Plan

The committee will develop a roadmap for the potential restoration of the Story Bridge, drawing on global examples of historic bridge restorations, funding strategies, and the scope of work required.

While the funding does not yet cover the physical restoration, the business case marks a critical first step in securing future investment and ensuring the long-term viability of this major transport and tourism icon.

Published 16-March-2025

Bridge in Distress: $4.5M Needed to Rescue Ageing Story Bridge in Kangaroo Point

The almost-90-year-old Story Bridge has become increasingly vulnerable to structural deterioration, requiring approximately $4.5 million in critical repairs and updates.

Read: Calls for the Restoration of Story Bridge Faces as Centenary Approaches

Recent inspections have revealed significant rust and corrosion across the bridge’s structure, prompting urgent restoration plans. The bridge, originally designed with a 100-year lifespan, is now entering a critical preservation phase to extend its operational integrity.

Built between 1935 and 1940, the Story Bridge is a testament to early 20th-century infrastructure design, currently carrying approximately 100,000 vehicles daily across the Brisbane River. The bridge connects Fortitude Valley to Kangaroo Point and has been a defining element of Brisbane’s urban landscape for decades.

Restoration efforts have been ongoing since 2020, with current work focusing on the southern approach and below-deck steel sections between Wharf Street and Holman Street. The next phase will involve the most challenging and expensive component: the river-spanning sections.

Experienced project manager Nigel Chamier has been selected to oversee the bridge’s preservation. His expertise will be crucial in navigating the complex engineering challenges of maintaining this historic infrastructure.

Brisbane’s proactive approach aims to ensure the Story Bridge remains a safe, functional, and iconic part of Brisbane’s transportation network for generations to come. By investing in comprehensive restoration now, the city hopes to prevent more costly repairs and potential disruptions in the future.

Read: Progress Continues on Kangaroo Point Underpass Beneath Story Bridge

Before 1947, the bridge, named after prominent public servant John Douglas Story, was originally a toll bridge. Its ongoing preservation reflects Brisbane’s commitment to maintaining its historical infrastructure while meeting modern transportation needs.

Published 26-November-2024

Biggest Story Bridge Restoration Project Moves Forward in Time for its 80th Year

Photo Credit: pauls parking/Wikimedia Commons

In anticipation of the upcoming 80th anniversary of the Story Bridge in 2020, the Brisbane City Council has announced that the tendering process for the biggest restoration project in the history of the iconic structure is now underway, as Council prepares to select a contractor.

Works involve stripping its old paint, cleaning it, and giving it a facelift. Restoring the iconic bridge will require 33,000 litres of paint and is expected to cost around $80 million. The paint restoration will prolong the life of Queensland’s iconic bridge and will help ensure that the local road network continues to be safe and accessible for all users.

Not only are we building the new bridges BNE needs as it grows, @team_schrinner is also investing in protecting our critical assets like the Story Bridge.

That’s why I’ve allocated funds to kick-off the biggest restoration project ever carried out during the bridge’s history. pic.twitter.com/KnFXeSEK5i
— Adrian Schrinner (@Schrinner) July 17, 2019

“Not only are we building the new bridges & transport infrastructure Brisbane needs as it grows, Team Schrinner is also investing in protecting our critical city assets like the Story Bridge,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said in a Facebook post.

“That’s why my recent budget allocated funding to kick-off the biggest restoration project ever carried out during the bridge’s history,” he added.

Story Bridge restoration project is anticipated to start early 2020 and will take five years to complete. This will be the first time Story Bridge will be repainted since it was built between 1935 and 1940.

Council will announce the successful contractor late 2019 and will provide further information to the community as the project progresses and before any works begin on site.