The ornate bridge, constructed by Andrew Handyside and Co, was part of the western extension of the Great Northern Railway and opened in 1878.

For decades the bridge hosted Friar Gate railway station, which was seen as Derby’s gateway to the seaside, when the line closed in 1967, the grade two-listed structure began to deteriorate. It was sold by British Rail to the city council for £1 on the understanding it would be looked after by the authority. The Friends of Friar Gate Bridge was formed with goal of fully restoring the structure which has been described as in a "disgraceful state" by Derby Civic Society.

In 1974 the bridge became grade-two listed, the old railway bridge in elegant Friar Gate was once one of Derby’s most beautiful landmarks and It has been neglected far too long something must be done with this bridge it cannot be left in it's poor state any longer.