Planning for the span started in 1956 as the last link in Oregon for the new Interstate Highway System for the main north-south route through the state.

[4] Due to its importance, the Marquam was the first Portland bridge to undergo a seismic retrofit in 1995, which included installation of Italian made bearings add to the piers.

[4] At the eastern end of the bridge, on the lower deck, is a ramp stub which was intended to connect to the later abandoned Mount Hood Freeway project.

[8] The Marquam Bridge was built with economy in mind and the public at large reacted unfavorably to the structure's bland aesthetics, which included a formal protest from the Portland Arts Commission.

Another option would build a tunnel under the Willamette River approximately following the existing I-5 alignment, and remove the Marquam Bridge permanently.

[citation needed] Proposals have been made to replace the Eastbank Freeway portion of I-5 with a tunnel, connecting with the existing alignment at the Marquam Bridge and the Rose Quarter.