[4] This idea gained some popularity, with the Yolo County Board of Supervisors even voting in favor of the plans presented by engineering firm.

Despite the initial lack of clarity on the part of the Yolo County government, Southern Pacific decided to go ahead on construction of the bridge.

1910. and concerning proposed new bridge to be erected by the said Southern Pacific Railroad company across the Sacramento river between the town of Washington, in the county of Yolo, and the city of Sacramento, in the county of Sacramento; “I am directed by the Southern Pacific company, the party of the first part in said contract, to advise you that it will be impracticable to change the swing draw, as provided In said contract, to the vertical lift type.

H. DELVIN, “Attorney' for Southern Pacific Railroad Company.”[9]On June 8, 1910 construction would officially begin, as carloads of equipment were unloaded and crews began work on the bridge.

The overwhelming stench disturbed residents of Broderick, California, and caused the construction crew to work with clothespins on their nose.

The bridge supports various Amtrak routes, such as the Capitol Corridor, Coast Starlight, and California Zephyr.

This historic bridge has a vertical clearance of 14 feet 8 inches (4.47 m) and was originally part of State Route 16.

As of February 2024, the bridge is slated to start construction in 2025, but that date is not guaranteed due to a lack of proper funding.