Full Breakdown
Brisbane’s Story Bridge to Close for Three Weeks for Resurfacing
By Drooid · · How we work
Closure Schedule and Scope
Brisbane City Council has scheduled the iconic Story Bridge to be closed to traffic from December 27 through January 18. The closure will allow resurfacing of the entire southern end of the over-pass and work on parts of the northern approach. During this period, the bridge will be unavailable for vehicles traveling between Kangaroo Point, Fortitude Valley, New Farm, the central business district and airport routes.
Operation Smooth Initiative
The works are part of the council’s $110 million “Operation Smooth” program, described as a core promise of the 2026 budget. In addition to resurfacing, the initiative includes structural deck maintenance and waterproofing of the bridge’s southern approach, which runs from Rotherham Street to Holman Street in Kangaroo Point.
Additional Road Resurfacing Projects
Alongside the Story Bridge, the council has earmarked a series of arterial roads for resurfacing under the same program. The list includes streets in Albion, Eagle Farm, Hamilton, Ipswich, Logan, Lutwyche, Moggill and Toowong. These upgrades are intended to improve overall network conditions during the summer peak.
Impact on Drivers
The council has warned inner-city drivers to plan alternative routes while the bridge is closed. Because the Story Bridge serves as a major conduit to the CBD and airport, commuters are advised to use parallel crossings such as the Captain Cook Bridge or the Victoria Bridge, and to allow extra travel time for detours.
Council Guidance for the Summer Period
Brisbane City Council urges motorists to check real-time traffic updates and to consider public transport options where feasible. The agency emphasizes that the temporary disruption is necessary to extend the bridge’s service life and to deliver smoother road surfaces across the broader network once the works are completed.