The western span is over a roadway along the western bank of the Canal.

The bridge was closed for demolition upon the opening of the Twin Bridge's western span.

After a fire in 1776 it was decided to destroy the three western spans of the nave and, in 1780, the current classic front built.

Public surveys show overwhelming support for the restoration of the western spans.

It is estimated that restoring the western span of the bridge will cost between $12-15 million dollars (December 2005).

The western spans, built 17 years later, were still deemed safe to use.

By the end of April, only two sections of the western span near the center of the river remained.

The cable construction technique differs significantly from that used for the earlier western spans and similar conventional suspension bridges.

The western span was retrofitted, or strengthened, after 1989 and will not need to be replaced.

Work began on the new western spans in August 2001 and was completed on 9 November 2002.