Story Bridge, Brisbane from M.V. Waiben, August 1964

The Story Bridge was built between 1935 and 1940 in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia and was heritage listed on the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992. It carries vehicles, bicycles and pedestrian traffic between the southern suburbs of Queensland from Kangaroo Point across to northern suburbs of Brisbane, Fortitude Valley.
Of modern times, the bridge is known for its LED lighting exhibits, on view from most points of the Brisbane River as well as an iconic feature for tourist to climb whilst visiting our city. Annually it is used significantly during Riverfire displays helping to celebrates the city’s Brisbane Festival. It was opened on 6 July 1940 by Sir Leslie Orme Wilson, Governor of Queensland. It was names after John Douglas Story who was a senior public servant who strongly advocated for the bridge’s construction. Initially a toll of sixpence (5 cents) was charged to cross the bridge – the toll was removed in 1947 (Wikipedia)

Story Bridge (Kangaroo Point — Fortitude Valley)

The Brisbane River, with its winding course, has long been both a source of pride for locals and a challenge for transportation planning. As commerce expanded and the population grew, there was an increasing need for easier access between the northern and southern suburbs, leading to the construction of several impressive bridges.

The Story Bridge has since become an iconic part of the city. In the 1920s, rising traffic congestion in the inner city called for urgent solutions. Dr. J. C. Bradfield was commissioned to design a large bridge to facilitate traffic flow between the southern and northern suburbs without passing through the city’s narrow streets. Work began in 1935, led by two local companies, and the bridge was officially opened in 1939. It was named in honor of J. D. Story, a prominent local engineer and designer of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The massive concrete supports carry a complex steel structure high above the river. Construction progressed simultaneously from both sides, meeting in the middle. Although the opening of the Gateway Bridge in 1986 helped reduce some of the traffic burden, the Story Bridge remains a key route for vehicles crossing between the northern and southern banks of the river.