With the 250 year old existing bridge subject to weight limits and unsuitable for goods traffic there had long been discussion on building a new bridge, with a plan first emerging in 1928, which was not proceeded with. In the 1950s this was becoming more urgent as traffic increased and railways closed. In late 1953, engineering consultants were appointed to build the bridge, but the scheme did not go to tender until 1961, when a £104,000 tender by Belfast contractors Farrens was accepted. The completed bridge was not officially opened until 1 February 1964. The 115-metre-long pre-stressed concrete cantilever bridge cost £135,000. The new bridge was slightly upriver of the old one, which was then demolished in May 1965.
In 2005, over £400,000 (€500,000) was spent on a refurbishment[1] of the bridge that included upgrading the parapet railings, installation of safety kerbing and railings, resurfacing of the carriageway deck and footways, and upgrading streetlights. At this time the bridge carried some 16,000 vehicles a day.
