Story Bridge footpath finally opens after 212 days

After being closed for 212 days, one of the Story Bridge’s footpaths has reopened to cyclists, e-scooter riders and pedestrians.

About 4000 daily walkers, bike and scooter riders were forced into an awkward and lengthy detour after the Story Bridge footpaths were suddenly closed on March 5 after a report recommended they be shut for safety reasons.

About 300 metres of replacement footpath decking has been laid on the city-side footpath using custom-made panels fixed onto a steel frame, as part of an almost $7 million project.

Brisbane City Council previously said the city-side footpath would be open before the end of the year.

Work to install decking on the eastern path has begun, and is also on track for early completion.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner thanked residents for their patience.

“Delivering the first replacement footpath ahead of schedule means pedestrians and cyclists will once again be able to enjoy walking and riding across the river from tomorrow,” he said.

“I know it’s been a disruption, but the result is a stronger and safer pathway for everyone.”

The footpath saga came before it was revealed the council needed to pursue a full restoration of the Story Bridge over the next 15 to 20 years.

A grassroots group has been running a bike bus – a group of cyclists riding together – to allow people to commute across a traffic lane of the Story Bridge on weekdays.

A court in May ruled a protest which would have shut down all six lanes of traffic on the Story Bridge could not go ahead, while the council refused to allocate one lane to active transport during the footpath closures.

Story Bridge Active Travel Alliance organiser Kathryn Good said the council talked about “keeping Brisbane moving” but its treatment of active transport was “stuck in reverse”.

“If you’re not in a car, their policies make it clear – you’re not going anywhere fast,” she said.

On Thursday, public transport chair Councillor Andrew Wines argued there was no council more committed to active transport than the current Schrinner LNP council.

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