The Tasmanian Government decided in the mid 19th century that if a crossing at Pitt Water could be made, it would considerably reduce the time to reach Sorell.

It was decided to build a causeway for two-thirds of the length of Pitt Water and use a bridge to complete the rest of the crossing.

[1][2] A feature of the bridge was that the voids for the tendons were created using inflated rubber tubes which were withdrawn after the concrete had set.

[3] The new bridge was named as a tribute to Dr Rodney William McGee, who died after a long battle with cancer on 1 February 2002, aged 47.

[3] The project was marked by extensive community involvement and particular attention to safeguarding the local environment, as the bridge is in an internationally recognised wetlands site and designated heritage area.