In the absence of funds for government construction and with the support of the railway commissioners, Robert Cran of the Millaquin sugar refinery near Bundaberg, was authorised by an Act of Parliament in 1892, to construct a private railway from Bundaberg to the sugar refinery.

Tenders were called by the government and a contract for construction was awarded to James Overend in January 1894.

[1] In 1965, plans were prepared for strengthening the bridge with steel girders suitable for a 12-ton axle loading.

[1] It comprises:[1] Saltwater Creek Railway Bridge was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992 having satisfied the following criteria.

A late 19th century bridge which is the second oldest extant with screw piles in Queensland, on what was constructed as a private railway to government standards.