Brisbane City Council says the city’s 84-year-old iconic Story Bridge requires a major new renewal program if it is to outlive its 100-year life span.
The Council is seeking funds through the Federal Government’s Major Projects Business Case Fund to deliver a detailed business case for a full renewal of the structure.
The Story Bridge carries 100,000 vehicles a day and heavy usage combined with exposure to the elements means without intervention the bridge has approximately 20 to 30 years of remaining life.
A comprehensive restoration program that addresses issues such as corrosion, applies protective coatings and replaces aged steel and footpaths is needed to extend the Story Bridge’s serviceable lifespan by another 80 to 100 years, said Civic Cabinet Chair for Infrastructure Councillor, Andrew Wines.
“Brisbane is one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities and we must deliver projects that ease congestion and make it easier for people to get around sooner and safer,” said Cr Wines.
“A full restoration of the iconic Story Bridge will mean a whole other century of life for this critical piece of infrastructure that carries 100,000 vehicle every day.
“Our Council is committed to spending within its means so we don’t add unnecessary costs onto residents now and into the future, and a funding-partnership like other bridge restoration projects nationally and abroad will help us keep Brisbane moving.”
He said delivering a comprehensive restoration program is a far more cost-effective option compared to the alternative of replacing the bridge which would cost billions of dollars.
The Story Bridge was built by the State Government as a toll bridge in 1940 and then transferred to Council seven years later. While the Story Bridge is a Council asset, the comprehensive restoration can only be delivered in partnership with all three levels of government, the Council said in a statement.
“The State and Federal governments collect 97 cents in every dollar of tax revenue.”
“Council has invested around $78 million in maintaining the Story Bridge since 2019 to restore the bridge and prolong its life, including striping back the old paint, applying new protective coatings to steel and extensive concrete and steel repairs.
“The Council works uncovered a myriad of complexities including significant steel erosion and multiple layers of paint, including lead-based undercoats, which is why the work was put on hold as a comprehensive restoration program would need to be delivered,” it said.
