[1] Most noticeably, the tops of its piers were designed as turrets, giving the structure an ornamental appearance.

Prior to it being built, residents were ferried across the river on a steam ferryboat.

[4] Following the official opening, a large crowd gathered at the Criterion Hotel who proceeding to drink a number of toasts in honour of Rockhampton's new bridge.

[2][9] A commemorative plaque was erected on the riverbank near to where the bridge was once accessed from the south opposite the Criterion Hotel on 27 August 1988.

The plaque commemorates both the first Fitzroy Bridge and the pioneering work of its designer Frederick John Byerley.