Brisbane's Story Bridge to close over new year for maintenance

Brisbane's famous Story Bridge will be shut down for three weeks at the start of the new year for essential maintenance work. The repairs, which include resurfacing the southern and northern approaches, structural deck maintenance, and waterproofing, are part of an $110 million project under the Operation Smooth program. The bridge, which once saw up to 100,000 vehicles daily, is expected to be closed from December 27, 2026, to January 18, 2027.

Council member Ryan Murphy explained that the road surface repairs were necessary to address the recent bumpiness experienced by motorists. The council hopes the closure will coincide with summer holidays when residents are less likely to be affected. Alternative routes during the closure include the Captain Cook Bridge, Go Between Bridge, Clem7, Gateway Bridge, and William Jolly Bridge.

The maintenance follows discussions about potentially making the Story Bridge a toll bridge if a funding deal couldn't be secured. An independent committee determined the 85-year-old bridge would require full restoration within 20 years, costing more than the council could afford. They proposed several funding options, including tolls, council/state/federal contributions, an annual rates levy, or corporate sponsorship. The city council has stated that a toll or levy would only be considered as a last resort.