UPDATE: Brisbane City Council has just announced plans to reopen one of the footpaths on the iconic Story Bridge by the end of December 2023. This crucial development comes five months after closures due to safety concerns, impacting approximately 4,000 walkers, cyclists, and scooter riders daily.
The council is commencing the installation of steel joists and reinforced polymer decking, which will replace the existing footpath. In a bid to ensure public safety, some traffic lanes will be closed at night during this installation process.
The new decking is designed to resemble the popular South Bank boardwalk and is set to enhance the safety and experience for pedestrians and cyclists. Structural support beams will be placed beneath the decking to alleviate weight on the existing concrete slabs, which posed an “extreme risk” to users.
Officials have confirmed that the decking will utilize a reinforced polymer composite with a high strength-to-weight ratio. A temporary mobile scaffolding frame will be employed for the installation, ensuring safety during the process.
“Access should be controlled to about 70kg per square metre to mitigate risk, but complete access may need to be banned without this limitation,” stated a report provided to the council.
As the city prepares for the reopening, Brisbane is also bracing for inclement weather. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a forecast predicting an 80% chance of showers today, with up to 15 millimetres expected tomorrow. This rain could impact attendance at the upcoming Ekka, set to open its gates today.
In addition to the footpath developments, other news highlights include the federal Treasury’s acknowledgment of flaws in Australia’s current company tax system, which is hindering productivity and potentially affecting workers’ wages. Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has been vocal in supporting former President Trump’s policies.
As these developments unfold, Brisbane’s residents eagerly await the reopening of the Story Bridge footpaths, which will reinstate a vital transit route for the community. Stay tuned for more updates on this and other breaking news stories.
