The bridge replaced a c. 1930 Warren deck truss bridge, built in the wake of Vermont's devastating 1927 floods, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

United States Route 5 is a major roadway providing local access along the Connecticut River, and is roughly paralleled by Interstate 91 to the east.

The 1930 bridge was a four-span structure, mounted on concrete piers and abutments.

It was 274 feet (84 m) long, with three approach spans consisting of steel I-beam construction, and a main span consisting of Warren trusses 120 feet (37 m) in length.

The guard rail consisted of T-shaped stanchions joined by a decorative metal latticework.