Story Bridge Maintenance Starts Tonight; Major Rail Shutdown Looming for Easter

Story Bridge: Southbound Lane Closure Starts Tonight

Commuters using the Story Bridge are advised to prepare for significant changes to traffic flow starting tonight, Thursday, 2 April 2026. As part of an essential multi-stage restoration program, a single southbound lane will be closed from 9:00 PM tonight. This closure is scheduled to remain in place until Saturday, 11 April, as part of a wider maintenance window that includes concrete repairs and structural inspections. While the bridge remains open to traffic, motorists should anticipate increased congestion during peak hours on the Bradfield Highway. Pedestrian and cyclist access will remain unaffected during this initial phase of the works.

Major Artery Updates and Roadworks

Several other key routes across the Brisbane metropolitan area are currently experiencing delays due to planned infrastructure projects:

• Logan Motorway (Ellen Grove): The eastbound on-ramp from Boundary Road and Skepper Street is scheduled for nightly closures. While recent works concluded early this morning, motorists should remain alert for potential night-time disruptions as crews finalize regional maintenance.
• Kingsford Smith Drive (Albion): Construction activities continue near Albion, with reduced speed limits and narrowed lanes in effect. These works are part of a broader upgrade expected to continue through the end of April.
• CBD Disruptions (Cross River Rail): In the city center, the eastbound lane on Mary Street adjacent to the Albert Street worksite remains closed. Traffic in the Albert Street precinct, including Charlotte and George Streets, is expected to be heavy during the afternoon peak.
• Ipswich Road (Annerley): Ongoing utility and road surface improvements continue to cause intermittent delays between Cornwall Street and the junction near the Pacific Motorway.

Public Transport: The "Big Shutdown" Starts Tomorrow

While rail services are operating on a standard Thursday timetable today, Translink has issued a critical alert for all commuters ahead of the long weekend. A massive 23-day rail shutdown is set to begin tomorrow, Friday, 3 April 2026. This network-wide event will facilitate Cross River Rail works and the European Train Control System (ETCS) rollout. Starting tomorrow morning, buses will replace trains on the majority of lines, including the Gold Coast, Beenleigh, Caboolture, and Sunshine Coast services. Commuters are strongly encouraged to use today to plan alternative routes and allow for significantly longer travel times starting tomorrow.

Commuter Advice

For those heading home this evening, we recommend crossing the river before the 9:00 PM Story Bridge lane closure begins. If you are travelling toward the airport tomorrow, consider taking the Airtrain today or making early arrangements for shuttle services, as the rail shutdown will impact airport connections starting Good Friday.