Bridge, Scrabo Road, Newtownards, Co Down, BT23 4?

This is a small sandstone road bridge located on Scrabo Road on the southwestern edge of Newtownards, County Down. It formerly spanned a short length of railway line connecting Scrabo quarry with the main Newtownards to Comber line, though the railway line and quarry link are now largely obscured.

The bridge has suffered significant alteration and obscuration. On the eastern side, the ground level has been raised, likely due to the construction of houses, leaving only the top portion of a sandstone arch visible, which incorporates a large tie rod. On the western side, a section of sandstone parapet remains partially visible but is heavily overgrown. Further west, the ground falls steeply, but dense vegetation prevents any view of the bridge's face.

According to revised Ordnance Survey maps from 1858-60, a short railway line once passed beneath the bridge, connecting the quarry on Scrabo Hill to the main line south of Newtownards. This line transported stone to Newtownards and beyond. The bridge itself was not present at this time, as the road's initial alignment was slightly more westward. The bridge was therefore constructed later, around 1900, when the road’s route was straightened and required a crossing of the railway track. The ground level on the east side of the bridge has been raised in recent years, further obscuring the former railway track and impacting the bridge’s structure.

Evidence suggests a date of construction between 1840 and 1859. It possesses industrial archaeological interest.