Up to 4000 litres of coating will be used to repaint the Story Bridge, as it embarks on a five-year long restoration project in its 80th year since opening.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the Story Bridge is one of Queensland’s most iconic, heritage-listed landmarks and the makeover would return it to its former glory.
“As Australia’s longest cantilever bridge, the Story Bridge has played an integral role in connecting the south of the Brisbane River to the north over the past eight decades since opening on 6 July 1940,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Spanning 777 metres, it carries approximately 100,000 vehicles per day across the river and this will be the first full repaint since the bridge was constructed.
“From the beginning of July, we’ll be investing $11.2 million into stage one of the restoration, which will revitalise and return it to its signature grey colour, maintaining its heritage values.
“Over its lifetime, various protective coating systems have been applied to the Story Bridge, but this new coating system will protect and restore it for generations to come.
“We expect to use up to 4000 litres of the coating to completely seal and protect the structural steel, minimising future maintenance and extending the life of the iconic bridge.
“Another exciting part of this restoration is that most of the painting will be carried out within an airtight, enclosed space to reduce emissions and waste generated during pressure washing, sand blasting and coating works. This method was also used to repaint San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.”
Cr Schrinner said the start of the bridge’s makeover aligned perfectly with its 80th year anniversary since opening.
“One of the Story Bridge’s most noteworthy features is that it was designed, fabricated and constructed in Australia by Australian companies and people. We’re making sure we can continue to support local jobs and companies through this restoration too,” he said.
“The bridge is renowned as a quintessential symbol of Brisbane and it’s great to stop for a minute to appreciate just how magnificent of a landmark it truly is.
“I want to thank local businesses and the community for their patience while we undertake these crucial works to ensure all residents and visitors can continue to connect with the people and places that make our city great.”
Stage one will focus on restoring the below deck steel between Baildon Street and Wharf Street in Kangaroo Point. Temporary lane closures and reduced load limits to some lanes on the bridge deck overhead may be required.
The community will be provided with information in advance of any temporary changes to the local road network.
For information on this project visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call Council on 07 3403 8888.