When this bridge was opened the A68 was diverted away from Witton-le-Wear on a new alignment by-passing the village. There are quite long descents on both banks to reach the bridge and the river has woodland along its banks. The old bridge can be seen downstream. The A68 is a major road from Darlington to Dalkeith in Scotland.
Witton-le-Wear is a pleasant village on the north bank of the Wear on the Weardale Railway though there is no station.