Built around 1870, the Limestone Bridge on Cleland Road in the Totara Valley is one of several stone arch bridges constructed in South Canterbury during the 19th century. These bridges stand as lasting examples of early engineering and demonstrate a high level of craftsmanship. Constructed by the Levels Road Board and still in use today, the Limestone Bridge is one of the few intact limestone arch bridges in the borough and possesses historical, archaeological, aesthetic, and architectural value. Between the 1865s and 1880s, several stone bridges and culverts were built in South Canterbury. Most were small, single-span structures constructed from local limestone or bluestone (basalt). Early newspaper accounts of Levels Road Board meetings included references to a 'Manuka Bridge' at Totara Flat. In 1874, Mr. W. Williamson, the board's engineer, suggested that it might be better to forgo further bush bridges.