The P. R. Olgiati Bridge carries a controlled-access portion of US 27, which is a U.S. highway that travels south to north.

The bridge crosses the Tennessee River just north of downtown, and links the freeway across the ridge en route to Signal Mountain and Red Bank.

[5] The Wilkes T. Thrasher bridge and others were built to help the growth of Chattanooga and to expand the use of the river, as well as to provide more ways of travel.

Olgiati, was appointed to the City Commission and filled the seat of an unexpired term, and later became mayor of Chattanooga for 12 years.

[6] The bridge expansions were made to contribute to the growth of Chattanooga and to expand the use of the river, as well as to provide more ways of travel for anyone passing through the area.

After continuous efforts to gain the approval of federal and state officials, Olgiati was granted $100 million to build up the city.

Because of his driven ideals, Chattanooga became the very first of any Tennessee major city to have a fully completed interstate system.

[8] Olgiati was given the resources to build a well built and supported bridge, which would greatly contribute to travel in Chattanooga.