2015 marks the 75th anniversary of the opening of Brisbane’s Story Bridge. The construction of the cantilever bridge began in 1935 and was completed and opened to traffic in July 1940. The length of bridge including the approaches is 1375 m. More than 95% of the steel was manufactured in Australia and the bridge was constructed by Evans, Deakin-Hornibrook Construction Co. Pty Ltd. SLQ collection contains hundreds of this iconic bridge, from its construction forwards. Here’s a sample –
Aerial photograph of the Story Bridge site Brisbane 1931
Initial concept for the Story Bridge by J. J. C. Bradfield Brisbane Queensland 1934
Diver inspects the foundation at Pier 26E Story Bridge, Brisbane, 1936
Concrete pouring during the construction of the Story Bridge, Brisbane 1936
Early stages of the Story Bridge construction Brisbane ca. 1937
Fortitude Valley approach to the Story Bridge construction ca. 1938
Northern end of the Story Bridge., February 1938
Story Bridge under construction, 1938. North main pier, main posts and tower traveller of the Story bridge as seen from the south main pier during construction.The Howard Smith Ltd., and Australian Steamships Pty Ltd. wharves can be seen alongside the base of the north pier. All Hallows’ School stands prominently in the background on the left.
Kangaroo Point during construction of the Story Bridge Brisbane 1938
Story Bridge, March 1938
In this view the northern superstructure is presented, linked with prominent buildings in the Petrie Bight approach to Queen Street, Brisbane (Information taken from The Queenslander, 30 March, 1938).
Breathtaking view of Brisbane enjoyed by the riggers on the Story Bridge construction crew ca. 1938
Story Bridge, August 1939
Bridge fitters posing on the framework of the Story Bridge, Brisbane, ca. 1939.
Southern end of the Story Bridge, July 1939
Brisbane River and Story Bridge 1939
Story Bridge, September 1939
Construction is almost completed on the Story Bridge Brisbane October 1939
The almost-completed Story Bridge, links Kangaroo Point on the right to Fortitude Valley and New Farm on the left. The suspended span is being joined with a centre panel (1939)
Story Bridge crew on the last day of construction ca. 1939
Governor of Queensland cutting the ribbon at the opening of the Story Bridge Brisbane 1940
Story Bridge Brisbane ca 1950
Story Bridge decorated for the royal visit of Queen Elizabeth II in 1954. (Image in copyright)
Traffic on the Story Bridge Brisbane 1959. (Image in copyright)
Aerial view of the Main Street approach to the Story Bridge Kangaroo Point 1963. (Image in copyright)
Story Bridge spanning the Brisbane River ca. 1975. (Image in copyright)
Story Bridge viewed from Petrie Bight Wharves 1981 (Image in copyright)
Firework display above the Story Bridge in Brisbane Queensland 2010. 27882 Cathy Schusler photographs. (Image in copyright)
Onlookers viewing the rising floodwaters from Captain Burke Park Kangaroo Point Brisbane during the January 2011 flood. (Image in copyright)
You can viewed more images of the Story Bridge via our One Search catalogue.