It replaced the Second Hannibal Bridge just to its east which had handled auto traffic on its upper level.

U.S. Route 169, which the bridge carries across the river, never enters North Kansas City, Missouri, but skirts the western border.

[1] On May 18, 2018, MoDOT began construction on the Buck O'Neil Bridge, with plans to repair the expansion joints, cable keep replacements and partial scour remediation.

[2] On January 29, 2024, the new Buck O'Neil Bridge opened to northbound traffic.

[3][4] Major demolition of the original 1956 bridge began on February 15, 2024, with the northern span being brought down with explosives.