The bridge is named for François Chouteau, who was a member of the Chouteau fur trapping family and is considered the first permanent settler in what became Kansas City.

It was originally a railroad bridge built and used by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, also known as the Milwaukee Road.

The bridge was very narrow, and in the latter years was often closed due to accidents, and due to low weight issues, when it was reduced to 3 tons, it was closed permanently, and removed by implosion in 2001.

[clarification needed] It was the oldest bridge on the river when it was demolished.

The north end of the bridge is near the entrance for the Harrah's Casino at the city of North Kansas City, Missouri.