Beware: ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ to start filming in Brisbane, road closures across CBD expected next week

Motorists and commuters residing or working at the Brisbane Central Business District are advised to adjust their travel plans next week as filming of the Marvel blockbuster film “Thor: Ragnarok” is expected to cause road closures in the area.

Asgard Productions III Pty Ltd, the producer of the movie with working title “Creature Report – Thor: Ragnarok,” has informed businesses across the Brisbane CBD about the impending road closures due to the filming schedule.

According to the letter, the following streets will be closed next week from Monday to Thursday.

1. Mary Street: Three-lane closure, Albert to Edward - 4am Saturday to 4am Friday (Two-lane closure from August 15 to 20).

2. Albert Street: Charlotte to Alice - 4pm Sunday to 11pm Monday. Charlotte to Mary - 11pm Monday to 11pm Thursday.

3. Margaret Street: George to Edward - 4pm Sunday to 11pm Monday. (Pacific Motorway off-ramp to Margaret Street closed 3am to 11pm Monday).

The movie producer clarified that the listed streets are still accessible to the public, but stressed out that road closures are necessary for the safety of residents and the film crew.

"Deliveries, local traffic, businesses, hotel guests and pedestrians will still have access to businesses during these times," the letter reads.

Brisbane CBD road closure

Despite the advance notice, Australian Retailers Association executive director Russell Zimmerman expressed concern about the timing of the road closures.

“We appreciate these things have to happen from time to time, but we hope the Government and council have the good sense to take in peak shopping times.

“Our concern would be whether it made it difficult for customers to reach the businesses,” Zimmerman pointed out.

“Thor: Ragnarok” stars Aussie actor Chris Hemsworth as the hammer-wielding Marvel character Thor and British actor Tom Hiddleston as Thor’s arch nemesis, Loki.

Marvel Studios has chosen Queensland as the movie production’s destination. Filming commenced at the Village Roadshow Studios at the Gold Coast last month.

"Queensland offers an amazing and diverse backdrop for ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ and we are very excited to bring this film to such an incredible locale,” Marvel Studios co-president Louis D’Esposito said in earlier reports.

It is not clear when filming is due but “Thor: Ragnarok” is reportedly due for a November 2017 release in the US.