Originally known as the Providence River Pedestrian Bridge, in July 2020 it was renamed in honor of Michael S. Van Leesten.

The idea of building a pedestrian bridge on the old Interstate 195 (I-195) piers was suggested in 1999 by a Rhode Island School of Design architecture student.

inFORM Studio from Detroit was chosen as the winner from among the 11 designs that were displayed at Providence City Hall.

[2] Per a 2011 agreement, the bridge was transferred from State of Rhode Island to the City of Providence, which will maintain it, for the amount of $1.

In July 2020 the bridge was named in honor of Michael S. Van Leesten, a local civil rights advocate.

The upper deck is made of Brazilian Ipe hardwood, while bluestone steps lead to terraced lower levels containing LED lighting and grass planting.

[3] This has drawn criticism amidst the state having the highest percentage of structurally deficient bridges in the US in 2018 according to the American Road and Transportation Builders Association.

"[1] North Smithfield state representative Brian Newberry added, "A pedestrian bridge seems like extra — bells and whistles.