Brisbane’s Story Bridge to close for three weeks over New Year
Brisbane’s Story Bridge is scheduled to close from December 27, 2026, to January 18, 2027, for resurfacing, waterproofing and structural maintenance. The bridge carries up to 100,000 vehicles a day, and council has listed alternative routes during the closure.
Brisbane’s Story Bridge will close for three weeks over the 2026-27 New Year period for maintenance work, according to Brisbane City Council. The closure is scheduled to begin on Sunday, December 27, 2026, and continue until Monday, January 18, 2027. Repairs will include resurfacing the southern approach and sections of the northern approach, as well as structural deck maintenance and waterproofing.
The bridge has dominated Brisbane’s skyline since 1935 and carries up to 100,000 vehicles a day, according to the council. Officials said the work was needed because parts of the road surface had become uneven. Council representative Ryan Murphy said the project formed part of A$110 million in funding under the Operation Smooth programme.
He described the work as difficult but necessary to preserve the bridge. The council hopes the closure will coincide with the summer holiday period, when some residents are away. Alternative routes include the Captain Cook Bridge, Go Between Bridge, Clem7, Gateway Bridge and William Jolly Bridge.
The maintenance comes amid discussion about how to fund a larger restoration. An independent committee found that the 85-year-old bridge might be unable to carry traffic within 20 years without a full restoration, whose cost it said would be beyond the council. Possible funding options include a toll, contributions from federal and state governments, an annual rates levy or corporate sponsorship.
The council has said a toll or levy would be considered only as a last resort.
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