The original Lexington Bridge was built in 1965 as part of the proposed construction of Interstate 35E.

Construction of I-35E between Minnesota State Highway 5, just north of the bridge, and Interstate 94 in downtown St. Paul was not finished until the early 1990s.

The increase in traffic caused the old bridge to deteriorate faster than expected.

The staging of this construction project was notable for keeping four lanes of traffic open during the process.

This is part of a test to see if measured application of chemicals can prolong the life of a structure, as compared to the usual liberal application of sodium chloride salt.