Road users paid a toll to cross the bridge, allowing those who funded it[nb 1] to recoup their investment of about £1,500, plus interest of about 7.5 per cent.

A smaller arch on the Manchester bank of the river crossed a towpath, giving access to the Duke of Bridgewater's quay.

By 1843 the bridge's condition was perilous, prompting magistrates at an annual session in Preston to investigate its future.

The committee decided to accept a separate plan by George W. Buck, of a stone and brick bridge costing about £9,000.

A temporary pedestrian footbridge was constructed while the works were underway, although this was destroyed by floating debris when the Irwell flooded in October 1843 (a replacement was built).

[8] Another serious accident occurred during the following January, when part of a stone block being lowered by crane broke off, killing a man working below.

Military bands played music as the mayors of Manchester and Salford saluted each other, before they approached a long table filled with refreshments.