[1] The crossing forms part of a former turnpike road from Sandwich to the Isle of Thanet that has existed since the late 14th century.

[3] The ferry route was frequently dangerous and difficult, and the Mayor of Sandwich petitioned Parliament to have a permanent bridge installed.

[8] The bridge formed part of the original route of the A256, a major road along the East Kent coast from Dover to Thanet.

[2][1] A bypass of Sandwich opened in 1981, taking traffic away from the bridge, yet it continued to attract congestion as it was used as a rat run.

[14] While Kent County Council were investigating repairs, on 9 June 2019, the bridge was stuck open after shipping vessel passed through.

[16][17] The repairs eventually began in September 2020, closing the bridge for 11 weeks, costing the council half a million pounds.