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The bridge was designed by William Clarke, the Engineer of the Tenbury & Bewdley. Admiralty approval for its construction was granted in 1862.<ref>[[Bibliography#Books | Beddoes & Smith (1995)]], p. 21.</ref> The design was described in the Board of Trade Inspector's report prior to opening as ''"a viaduct over the Severn of 3 openings each of 70ft carried by wrought iron lattice girders on masonry piers and abutments"''.<ref>[[Bibliography#Books | Beddoes & Smith (1995)]], p. 32.</ref>
The bridge was built during 1862 and 1863 at a cost of £7,000.<ref Name = "Beddoes28">[[Bibliography#Books | Beddoes & Smith (1995)]], p. 28.</ref> It was brought in sections from [[Peto, Brassey and Betts | Brassey’s Canada Works, Birkenhead ]] and erected on site. The style of lattice construction was common in America at the time, where it was known as a ‘Town Truss’ after Ithiel Town who patented the design in 1820.<ref Name = "Beddoes28" />
Prior to opening, the bridge was tested using locomotives belonging to the West Midland Railway who charged a fee of £12 for the service.<ref>[[Bibliography#Books | Beddoes & Smith (1995)]], p. 27.</ref>