Talks began in 1897 to how feasible the construction of a bridge connecting Barrow to Walney would be.

When the bridge was finally approved many companies fought for the building contract, with Sir William Arrol & Co. winning it.

[1] Construction of the £175,000 (in that time) bridge began in mid-1905 and it was finally opened by Barrow mayor Mrs. T.F.

During World War II, the bascule bridge was lifted every night to ensure that anyone who made landfall on Walney was unable to reach Barrow by crossing the bridge and reaching its shipbuilding facilities.

The bridge was the link to the fictional island of Sodor, home of Thomas the Tank Engine et al. in The Railway Series books by the Reverend W.