The bridge has proved itself of strategic importance throughout the ages. It was for about 300 years the Midlands' main crossing of the Trent, and the only crossing between Burton-on-Trent and Nottingham. The road over the bridge was the main road into Derby from the south until the 18th century.
Historically, the bridge has played a crucial role in connecting key regions. For nearly three centuries, it was the primary crossing point over the Trent River for the Midlands, linking Burton-on-Trent and Nottingham. The road that traversed the bridge continued to be the main entrance route into Derby from the south until the 18th century.