The bridge is downstream of the site of Celilo Falls, now submerged by water impounded by The Dalles Dam.

The new lift span's first complete raising and lowering took place on June 21, 1957, and the bridge reopened to rail traffic the following day.

[4] All of the bridge's piers rest on rocks that were normally exposed during low water periods.

The north end of the bridge is a wye, where the rail line from Bend meets the BNSF Portland to Pasco mainline.

On the south end of the bridge, the line crosses over and interchanges with the Union Pacific mainline.