20 years – that is how long it is estimated the Brisbane bridge has left before it is deemed unsafe for use. A report shows it is in need of a major restoration that is estimated to cost in the $100’s of millions. The council has threatened to impose a toll on drivers if the state and federal governments don’t help.
00:00It's a staple in our Brisbane skyline, but the Story Bridge needs a lifeline.
00:08What we're talking about here is not maintenance, but an end-of-life intervention.
00:13Opened in 1940, the bridge was set to have a 100-year lifespan,
00:19but the Bridge Restoration Committee says it's rapidly deteriorating
00:23and without intervention would be unsafe for cars within 20 years.
00:29Giving the Story Bridge a funeral for its 100th birthday is not acceptable.
00:34Concrete is ageing and chipping from sidewalks and steel is corroding.
00:40Experts say replacing the bridge is not an option.
00:43A major restoration is needed, but funding it is the multi-million dollar question.
00:49Council hopes the state and federal governments will step in, but if they don't...
00:55Putting a toll on the bridge, which is one option, obviously would raise sufficient funds.
01:02Some don't mind the idea of a toll if it means the bridge can live on.
01:07You would do what it takes to keep the bridge safe for people to use.
01:12I would definitely pay a toll for it.
01:14Others, not so keen.
01:16The road should be free, I think.
01:18Yeah, it's been there for a long time, so why put a toll on it now?
01:23The total price tag of this restoration is unknown, to be determined as part of the business case.
01:29But there's no doubt it'll cost a pretty penny.
01:32The restoration committee says it's safe to assume this project will be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
01:39I'm confident that we'll get support from other levels of government.
01:42The federal government has committed more than $2 million towards the business case,
01:47which it said would help inform potential funding arrangements.
01:51The state government is waiting for a formal request.
01:55Council have got to convince the federal or state government, if it requires funding,
01:58and if council can't afford it, they're going to have to convince the federal and state government why we should be investing in the council asset.
02:04But I think that's a very much more important issue.
