It is located downriver from the Severn River Bridge and adjacent to the United States Naval Academy.

Its predecessor, a bascule bridge, once served as the main point of entry into Annapolis from both Ritchie Highway and the ferry to the Eastern Shore prior to the construction of the John Hanson Highway and the current Severn River Bridge.

The design of the moveable bridge had been driven in large part by a desire to keep the necessary structure low and unobtrusive enough that the view of the surrounding landscape was not unduly impacted.

Thus, when a replacement was required, it was necessary to accept another moveable mechanism, or overcome local resistance to a higher structure.

He brought the state's governor to the site, where they decided on a higher structure, but with concessions such as a scenic overlook with benches by the riverbank, and with an intensive public-input campaign, including meetings and talks at local clubs and churches.