The Lockmeadow and Halgavor bridges are compared in this paper and their stories are told from conception to birth. The factors influencing their development are discussed, as are some of their early life experiences, however, only time will tell how they will fare as they reach maturity and approach old age – that part of the tale will be for others to relate. Both bridges possess novel features, and in particular the paper addresses the materials used for the deck construction in each case – aluminium and glass-fibre reinforced polymers I. P. T. Firth MSc, DIC, CEng, FIStructE, FICE, FConsE Partner, Flint & Neill Partnership, London, UK