This was done to upgrade the bridge to McClellan–Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System standards.

Community desires were for a replacement bridge that included pedestrian/bicycle facilities, accommodations for a future streetcar line and an iconic design.

[5] In April 2011, the engineering firms Garver LLC and HNTB were selected to design a new bridge.

[7] The contractor is Massman Construction Company, who won the contract with a bid of $98.4 million.

[8] The selected design includes two 450-foot spans incorporating basket handle arches.