Scarborough Bridge was originally built in 1844 by the York and North Midland Railway for a branch to Malton, Pickering and Scarborough (hence the name). A footpath was added in the centre of the bridge between the two lines thus giving pedestrians in the northern suburbs a way to cross the river without having to walk into the City either to the ferry at Lendal or to Ouse Bridge. The bridge was realigned, rebuilt and raised to suite the track level of the new station in 1874-5 when the footpath was moved to its present position on the south side of the tracks.