The bridge was constructed between 1932 and 1936, to a design by Sir Alexander Gibb & Partners, Consulting Engineers,[3] and Architect, Donald Watson.

The bridge was constructed with a swinging central section which remained in use until 1988, that would allow larger ships to sail upstream to the small port at Alloa.

[4] Power for swinging the bridge was provided in the engine room, in the base of the centre pier, which was itself supplied with electricity from the Fife shore, by underwater cable.

The gearing produced a 171:1 reduction, and the bridge revolved slowly on a circular cast steel rack, with 224 machined teeth.

During the rotation, the entire 1,600 ton weight of the swing span rests upon 60 cast steel rollers in the central pier beneath the engine room.

[6] The original bridge was given Category A listed status by Historic Scotland in 2005,[7][8] and was closed temporarily for upgrading works in 2011.