[1] The idea of linking Newcastle upon Tyne on England's east coast with Carlisle on the west dates back to at least the 1770s, when proposals were tabled for a canal.

The prospectus for the Newcastle & Carlisle Railway was published in 1825 and construction work began in 1829 under the supervision of Francis Giles.

[3] Giles was the consulting engineer for the entire line but was also directly responsible for the principal works at the western end, which presented some of the greatest engineering challenges on the route, including the Gelt Bridge and the Corby Bridge (or Wetheral Viaduct) and Corby Viaduct some five miles closer to Carlisle.

[1][3][2] A plaque is built into each of the abutments; one reads "Gelt Bridge: Francis Giles Engineer, John McKay Builder, MDCCCXXXII; MDCCCXXXV"; The other has the same inscription in Latin.

[3] The bridge was designed by Francis Giles, engineer to the Newcastle & Carlisle Railway, and built by the contractor, John McKay.