Galton Bridge carries the road from Smethwick to Sandwell at the deepest point of the new Smethwick Cutting, constructed by Telford to by-pass the Smethwick Summit. The 4,000 yard Cutting allows the new canal to avoid the necessity for locks and flow at a level 20ft lower than Brindley's 1772 original, now dried up. Smeaton's intermediate line can also be seen from here.

The bridge spans 150ft and consists of a single, flat arch between brick abutments, set high on the sides of the cutting. It has six cast iron ribs formed from seven segments each, bolted together. The space between the road and the arch is filled by a lattice of diagonal intersecting ribs. The design has many similarities with Telford's Mythe and Holt Fleet bridges.

Galton Bridge is named after Samuel Tertius Galton, who served on the Committee of the Birmingham Canal.

These days, a new road runs parallel to the bridge, relieving it of traffic. The canal now runs through a concrete tunnel with the roadway supported by embankments.