Built 85 years ago, the Story Bridge stands as one of Brisbane’s most iconic landmarks, providing vital access across the river for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. With the heavy demands of daily use over decades, the bridge required major restoration. An independent committee was formed to develop a restoration plan for the national icon.
The initial phases focus on restoring the footpaths to provide safe access for the 4,000 pedestrians and cyclists that traverse the bridge daily. When looking for the perfect material for the replacement works, FRP pultruded decking stood out for its various benefits.
What is the Story Bridge Footpath Replacement Project?
As part of a 15-year plan to restore Brisbane’s iconic bridge, it was identified that the footpaths were in desperate need of restoration. This involved adding FRP pultruded decking on the footpaths on both sides of the bridge, supported by structural support beams (steel joists) to take the weight off the existing concrete slabs.
The Story Bridge Footpath Replacement Project is designed to enhance the safety, lifespan, and aesthetics of the bridge. This project was fast-tracked by the Brisbane City Council to ensure the footpaths would be operational as soon as possible, with the western (city-side) opening ahead of schedule.
Why FRP was Chosen for the Footpath
The Story Bridge welcomes thousands of commuters each day, as well as playing a crucial role in many community events, such as the New Year’s fireworks and Riverfire, so its footpaths needed a material that would offer safety, durability and aesthetics. When weighing up options, FRP pultruded decking stood out as the ideal solution, offering a myriad of benefits, including a high strength-to-weight ratio, damage resistance, and safety.
High strength-to-weight ratio
One of the leading benefits of FRP for bridge walkway projects is its high strength-to-weight ratio. FRP is a lightweight material, allowing for simple transportation and installation without placing excess weight on the bridge structures, while also offering high durability to withstand daily foot traffic and bicycles.
Durable, resilient and low-maintenance
FRP is highly resistant to damage from corrosion, weather, and use, making it perfect for heavily used outdoor footpaths. This durable, composite material stands strong under the harsh sun, heavy rain, and salty water to deliver a long-lasting solution for bridge walkways. Due to its resistance to damage, it also requires minimal upkeep, saving time and money.
Enhanced Safety
One of the top considerations for public walkways is public safety. FRP pultruded decking offers a textured, slip-resistant finish for added traction and safety for pedestrians and cyclists. This material remains slip-resistant even when wet, providing enhanced safety for locals and tourists who want to explore Queensland’s beautiful capital.
Other FRP Decking Projects Around Brisbane
FRP is becoming a popular choice for public bridges and walkways, due to the wide range of benefits compared to traditional building materials. It’s not the first installation in Brisbane either. Similar FRP decking was used for the Cultural Centre boardwalk adjacent to the Queensland Art Gallery and Queensland Library to provide a safe, durable, and aesthetically pleasing walkway for visitors.
Rejuvenating a Brisbane Icon with FRP Decking
Brisbane’s 85-year-old Story Bridge was in desperate need of a revamp to extend its lifespan. The footpaths were identified as the highest priority to ensure safe and convenient access across the river for thousands of pedestrians and cyclists. This required an innovative approach.
At GRP Australia, we are proud to have provided the FRP pultruded decking to give Brisbane’s iconic bridge a new lease on life and offer safe walkways for locals and visitors alike.
Need durable, lightweight materials for a walkway or other construction project? Explore our comprehensive range of FRP solutions on our website or give our expert team a call to discover how we can help with your project.