Bridge, Doagh Road, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim

A reinforced concrete road over rail bridge completed in 1932 and carrying Doagh Road on a north-south axis across the Belfast to Antrim railway line. The bridge was erected by the London, Midland & Scottish Railway (Northern Counties Committee) as part of the Greenisland Loop scheme, a significant railway infrastructure project. It is designed as a single span structure with a continuous reinforced concrete deck supported on four pairs of cantilevered concrete beams and three sets of vertical concrete piers. Three parabolic arches form the central feature of the bridge, creating a single arch bridge. These parabolic arches are a distinctive design element linking to modern bridge architecture.

The bridge was constructed in 1933 under the direction of resident engineer W.K. Wallace. The Greenisland Loop scheme involved laying track between Whiteabbey on the Belfast-Carrickfergus line and Monkstown on the Belfast-Antrim line. Until the loop opened in 1934, trains bound for Antrim had to run to Greencastle and reverse their entire journey. The loop eliminated this reversal requirement and shortened the journey by approximately 2.5 miles. Several other reinforced concrete bridges were erected as part of the scheme: Bleach Green Junction (1931–33), Jordanstown Road (1931), Jennings Park (1931), and Auld's Bridge (1933). The loop scheme has been described as "one of the most significant examples of modern railway architecture in the British Isles".

The loop line remained in regular passenger service until 1976 when Belfast's Central Railway opened, after which Antrim-bound trains were rerouted via Lisburn and Crumlin. The line continues in periodic use for goods trains.

The original concrete parapets were removed around 1993 and replaced with metal railings, an alteration that has degraded the bridge's character. A section of the original concrete parapet has been retained or reconstructed to the northwest, inscribed "L M S NCC 1932". Despite this loss, the main feature of the parabolic arches remains intact, representing a significant example of twentieth century railway engineering of considerable technical interest and innovative design quality.