brisbane bridge

The Brisbane Bridge is an iconic symbol in Brisbane, Queensland. Initially named Jubilee Bridge to honor King George V, later rechristened after John Douglas Story who had campaigned tirelessly for its construction.

Bradfield designed and supervised its construction, part of government attempts to provide employment during the Great Depression.

History

There was once a bridge connecting North and South Brisbane here between 1875 and 1893 when flood waters washed away the bridge completely. Following its destruction by flooding, Brisbane City Council decided to build another one here with Alfred Barton Brady designing it and the project taking three and a half years to complete.

John Douglas Story was an enthusiastic supporter of its creation and its official opening was held on 6 July 1940 by Sir Leslie Orme Wilson, governor of Queensland.

At its construction, this bridge was the second-largest steel cantilever bridge in the world. Most of its frames and trusses were produced at Evans Deakin factory in Rocklea.

Design

The Kurilpa Bridge connects Dutton Park and University of Queensland and is a state-of-the-art “green bridge”, featuring bicycle and pedestrian lanes for easy navigation. It was named in honour of John Douglas Story, a prominent Brisbane civil servant who vigorously campaigned for its construction.

The bridge employs the principles of tensegrity, an innovative structural system that uses compression-tension balance between tubes in compression and tension cables to produce strength and resilience, for maximum resilience and strength. Its strikingly sculptural form also makes an impressive design statement.

This cantilever steel bridge is the largest of its kind in Australia, constructed by local firm Evans Deakin and Hornibrook Contractors using mostly Australian-sourced materials.

Construction

The Brisbane bridge is an iconic symbol of its city, drawing more than 30 million people each year to it and serving as an attractive spot to view and photograph the riverbanks or city skylines.

John Bradfield designed the bridge after being inspired by the style and utility of Montreal, Canada’s Jacques Cartier Bridge. Construction started in 1935; most bridge frames and trusses were produced at Rocklea factory while south pier foundations used pneumatic caissons with up to four times normal air pressure conditions required of workers operating them.

Opened in 1940

The Story Bridge was officially inaugurated by Governor of Queensland Sir Leslie Orme Wilson on July 6, 1940 and named for John Douglas Story, a Brisbane public servant who advocated for its construction. Prior to construction it was known as Central Bridge; and later became Brisbane River Bridge and Jubilee Bridge to commemorate King George V’s Jubilee anniversary.

“This project was of major significance during World War II when bread cost five pence,” states Dean Randall, President of the Royal Historical Society of Queensland.

Tolls

All prices listed are in Australian dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST). Toll costs depend on vehicle class, size and dimensions – refer to Queensland Toll website to determine how much your toll fees will cost.

Linkt has been subjected to a class action lawsuit alleging excessive administrative charges on unpaid tolls, breaching its duties under the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 and thus engaging in violations of their duties as stated.

The Go Between Bridge is named for Brisbane indie rock band The Go-Betweens and connects Merivale and Cordelia Streets with Coronation Drive to Milton on the Inner City Bypass over Brisbane River. Transurban Queensland operates this long-term concession agreement until 2065.

Climbs

Climbing the Brisbane Story Bridge is one of the most thrilling things you can do in Brisbane, and one of only three bridge adventure climbs worldwide that offers spectacular views from its 80 metre summit.

Beginning at Kangaroo Point’s Story Bridge base camp, you will receive a comprehensive safety briefing before ascending in an enclosed climb suit to reach the Story Bridge.

The Day Bridge Climb offers breathtaking 360 degree views of the city and its environs from early morning until late afternoon, or shorter Express climb options if time is of the essence.