 The new bridge's elevation was dictated by the low-lying river banks and the railway limited its maximum possible gradient.In December 1957, construction commenced.The resident engineer was R. Hodges and the civil engineering company John Howard & Co was appointed the principal contractor; the steelwork was sourced from Dorman Long and the machinery was provided Sir William Arrol & Co. On 20 April 1960, it was officially opened by the Duchess of Kent.