Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge to completely shut for three weeks after Christmas

For the first time in its 86-year lifespan, Brisbane’s Story Bridge will be closed to all traffic for urgent maintenance works. The iconic bridge will shut for three weeks from December 27 until mid-January, impacting hundreds of thousands of commuters.

Story Bridge closes for first time in 86 years Brisbane City Council says traffic typically dips by about 40 per cent during the Christmas period, but the closure will still affect a significant number of motorists who rely on the crossing. The maintenance works include road resurfacing, deck maintenance and waterproofing.

The vital transport link across the Brisbane River is connecting the city’s north and south sides and carrying more than 100,000 vehicles each day. The closure will coincide with the school holidays and peak summer tourism period, putting the popular Story Bridge Climb out of action In less than 15 years, the Story Bridge will reach its 100-year design life, with more than $80 million spent on maintenance since 2019 to keep the ageing structure operational. The bridge’s footpaths were also overhauled after inspections following Cyclone Alfred in March 2025 found the ageing paths had deteriorated faster than previously identified, with concrete degradation and rusted reinforcements.

More than 750 metres of new decking was installed across both footpaths in a $7 million upgrade, with the eastern footpath now remaining open to pedestrians, cyclists and scooter riders during the road closure. Brisbane City Council is currently working on a business plan to secure funding from state and federal governments to help maintain the bridge, particularly with the Olympics approaching. “We know that this bridge needs to be around for the next 100 years. That’s why Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has been so aggressive in his pursuit of its renewal with funding partners,” Civic Cabinet Chair for Infrastructure Cr Ryan Murphy said.