Telford built the bridge between 1805 and 1809, paid for by the Duke of Atholl. It is 209 metres long, with a main arch spanning 27 metres. It changed the town completely. Bridge Street and Atholl Street were laid out at right angles to the old main street to meet it, and until 1879 everyone crossing paid a toll.
There are pavements on both sides, though the traffic is heavy. Stand on the Birnam bank for the best view of the bridge with the cathedral tower behind.