One of the Brisbane Story Bridge's footpaths has finally reopened to bikes, e-scooters and pedestrians after being closed for 212 days.
The Story Bridge footpaths were suddenly closed following Cyclone Alfred in March, after inspections uncovered concrete degradation and rusted reinforcements.
The closure saw 4,000 daily bikes, scooter riders and pedestrians urged to take a detour more than 2 kilometres away by bike.
It was a frustrating time for riders, with timelines on footpath reopening unclear. In May, a demonstration pushing for one of the bridge's six traffic lanes to be dedicated to riders and pedestrians while footpaths were closed was blocked by police action.
Advocacy group the Story Bridge Active Travel Alliance, which organised the demonstration, put pressure on the council throughout the closure.
Around 300 metres of replacement footpath decking have now finally been laid on the city-side footpath using custom-made panels fixed onto a steel frame. The works have been completed ahead of schedule.
Work has also begun to install decking on the eastern path and is on track for early completion.
The replacement footpaths cost almost $7 million and are part of a long-term restoration plan to keep the 85-year-old bridge usable, which could take up to 15 years to roll out.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said: "Brisbane's Story Bridge is one of our city's most loved landmarks, and these works are about making sure it continues to serve residents safely now and into the future.
"I want to thank residents for their patience while these works have been carried out.
"I know it's been a disruption, but the result is a stronger and safer pathway for everyone."
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