Is the Brisbane Story Bridge Pedestrian Path Open?

About the Closure

On March 5th, 2025, the Brisbane City Council closed the Story Bridge pedestrian and cycling paths indefinitely, citing safety concerns linked to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. This decision was made with minimal communication to the thousands of daily commuters who depend on this crucial bridge for cycling and pedestrian access.

The closure has caused significant disruption, particularly for cyclists and pedestrians, forcing them to find alternative routes that are often longer, less safe, or entirely impractical. With no clear timeline for reopening, many commuters now face detours that add significant time to their journeys, often through busy city streets.

In a concerning development, the council has revealed that the Story Bridge may need to return to being a toll bridge unless other levels of government help fund its restoration. An independent committee has found that the 85-year-old bridge would be unable to carry traffic within 20 years without a full restoration, at a cost which the council claims would be "beyond council".

What's particularly concerning is that the council has known about these structural issues for years. Despite "regular maintenance and renewal work," the bridge's condition has deteriorated to the point where water is now leaking through the concrete, and sections of the path are in worse condition than previously reported. This raises serious questions about the council's long-term planning and maintenance of this critical piece of infrastructure.

This unexpected move has sparked frustration among active transport advocates, who see it as another example of Brisbane's vulnerability in terms of cycling infrastructure resilience. Despite the claimed need for structural assessments as part of a broader restoration plan for the aging bridge, the lack of transparency and immediate alternatives has raised questions about the city's commitment to prioritising active transport.

Impact on Commuters & Alternative Route

The Story Bridge provides a vital connection between Kangaroo Point and the CBD/Fortitude Valley areas. With its closure:

• Cyclists must detour via the Edward Street, Felix Street, and Eagle Street before decending onto the City Reach Boardwalk
• Pedestrians face limited crossing options and longer travel times
• Those with mobility challenges have even fewer accessible river crossing alternatives
• Compounding the issue, major construction works at Eagle Street Pier are currently forcing cyclists into traffic in the city via the route described above, creating dangerous conditions for alternative routes

Lack of Communication

Despite the significant impact on Brisbane residents, the Brisbane City Council has provided:

• Minimal advance notice of the closure
• Limited information about the reasons for the closure
• No clear timeline for when the path will reopen
• Insufficient updates on progress or alternative solutions

The Need for a Better Alternative

While an alternative route has been provided, it is dangerous and poorly signed. The Brisbane City Council needs to provide a better alternative for cyclists and pedestrians. This could include:

• Closing one lane of traffic to provide a dedicated cycleway and pedestrian path on the Story Bridge
• Prioritising the opening of one pedestrian path on the Story Bridge

Take Action: Contact the Council

Stay Informed

We aim to keep this page updated with the latest information about the Story Bridge pedestrian path closure. Check back regularly for updates on reopening dates and any official communications from Brisbane City Council.

For official information, you can also check the Brisbane City Council website.