In the twentieth century bridge engineers have seen many changes. Advances in technology, materials and engineers understanding of structural behaviour and methods of analysis has presented opportunities for innovation and have led to increasingly sophisticated solutions to the basic problem of providing a bridge over an obstacle. However, despite these innovative technological changes, the masonry arch bridge has shown itself to be a durable, cost-effective structure, tolerant of its modern environment and out-performing many of its competitors.

In the twentieth century bridge engineers have seen many changes. Advances in technology, materials and engineers understanding of structural behaviour and methods of analysis has presented opportunities for innovation and have led to increasingly sophisticated solutions to the basic problem of providing a bridge over an obstacle. However, despite these innovative technological changes, the masonry arch bridge has shown itself to be a durable, cost-effective structure, tolerant of its modern environment and out-performing many of its competitors.