[6] The collapse occurred during evening rush hour with workers coming home from the Longview mills.

Initial contemporary newspaper reports stated that up to 80 people were killed in the collapse, with some witnesses saying 150.

[11] Using even the lowest estimate of 17, as of 2014[update], the disaster stands as Washington's greatest loss of life caused by bridge failure.

[14] This disaster brought about bridge inspection programs conducted by the state agency and counties.

It was to connect Kelso with the new planned city of Longview on the west side of the Cowlitz, at a cost of $228,000.