This plan was adopted, and arrangements were forthwith made for carrying it into effect.

The abutments of the bridge were built in 1777-8, during which the castings were made at the foundry, and the ironwork was successfully erected in the course of three months.

The bridge was opened for traffic in 1779, and proved a most serviceable structure.

In 1788 the Society of Arts recognised Mr.
Darby's merit as its designer and erector by presenting him with their gold medal; and the model of the bridge is still to be seen in the collection of the Society.

Mr.Robert Stephenson has said of the structure: "If we consider that the manipulation of cast-iron was then completely in its infancy, a bridge of such dimensions was doubtless a bold as well as an original undertaking, and the efficiency of the details is worthy of the boldness of the conception." [10] Mr.
Stephenson adds that from a defect in the construction the abutments were thrust inwards at the approaches and the ribs partially fractured.
We are, however, informed that this is a mistake, though it does appear that the apprehension at one time existed that such an accident might possibly occur.
To remedy the supposed defect, two small land arches were, in the year 1800, substituted for the stone approach on the Broseley side of the bridge.