Story Bridge footpaths in Brisbane closed for weeks

Footpaths on the Story Bridge in Brisbane will stay closed for at least several weeks. They have been shut since March 5 due to concerns stemming from Cyclone Alfred. The closures affect both the east and west footpaths, which are popular with cyclists, e-scooter riders, and pedestrians. A notice from the Brisbane City Council states that the footpaths are closed "until further notice." Engineers are currently checking for damage after the cyclone. Councillor Andrew Wines emphasized that safety is the top priority, even though these closures may inconvenience some people. Due to the footpaths being closed, officials suggest a lengthy detour through the CBD. However, that path is also closed, making it difficult for pedestrians. This has led to some individuals illegally riding e-scooters across the six-lane bridge. Brisbane City Council previously showed photos of rust and corrosion on the bridge and requested $4 million from the federal government for repairs. In February, the federal government committed $2.25 million for planning those repairs. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner explained that the footpaths were closed in part to protect pedestrians from high winds during the cyclone. The mayor noted that closing the footpaths allows them to conduct necessary assessments for future repairs. He did not clarify why both footpaths are closed simultaneously. Suggested detours involve the Kangaroo Point Bridge and City Riverwalk. However, a portion of the Riverwalk is closed until late 2025 due to construction work. The Story Bridge sees over 100,000 vehicles daily, and previously had around 1,800 cyclists and 3,400 pedestrians using the footpaths each day. Local cycling advocates suggest temporarily closing a lane on the bridge to help accommodate bikers and walkers while the footpaths remain closed, as the detour is not practical for many.