[4] Despite being listed as only four lanes, the inclusion of a full lane-width median, a bicycle path for both directions and the use of the ST-10 scenic railings resulted in a bridge deck that measures 86.6 feet (26.4 m) wide.

Only the two most recent iterations have been high-span designs, carrying traffic above Noyo Cove[6] at the same elevation as the coastal bluffs on which the majority of the city is located.

Prior to the first bridge being built in 1861, river crossings were made on a cable ferry which also operated at the same narrow point in the channel.

[8] The initial design proposal had called for use of the standard freeway overpass configuration that had been in use since the 60s and employed solid concrete barriers on each side measuring 42 inches (110 cm) high that completely obstructed the view of the ocean and harbor for occupants in standard passenger cars.

[9] This prompted a local outcry and attention from the California Coastal Commission who worked with CalTrans for over two years on alternatives that preserved sightlines without negatively impacting safety tests, ultimately resulting in an entirely new "scenic bridge" railing design termed ST-10 being approved for use state-wide and installed on the new Noyo Bridge.