Measuring 805 m (2641.07 ft) in total length, the bridge consists of four deck-truss approach-spans joined in the middle with a cantilever-through-truss structure.

Crossing the Restigouche River between Campbellton, New Brunswick, and Pointe-à-la-Croix, Quebec, had long been a bone of contention by locals in both provinces.

A federally-funded interprovincial ferry service between the two communities had proven adequate until the 1950s, when vehicle traffic began to grow at much higher rate than had been forecast.

By the late 1950s, the local New Brunswick PC Member of Parliament, J.C. Van Horne, made the case for a bridge and invited representatives from the federal and provincial governments to witness a "typical weekend" lineup at the ferry.

The government representatives were convinced of the need for a bridge to replace the ferry service and acceded to Van Horne's wishes.