The first, which replaced a ferry, officially called the Government Bridge, was constructed in 1887; it contained a swing span to accommodate river traffic.

[5] Built at a time when automobiles were smaller and horse-and-buggy transport was still common (in Kamloops), the bridge was one of the narrowest two-lane roadways in the city.

The width restriction often meant impromptu traffic control had to be put in place to allow only one truck to pass over the bridge at a time, especially if it was an oversized load.

At the time of destruction, the bridge had a weight restriction of 4,000 kg (630 st; 8,800 lb), and had ample signage warning drivers of this.

Despite this, incidents have occurred, including a well-documented encounter in February 2020 in which a fully-loaded lumber truck, most likely weighing close to 16,000 kg (2,500 st; 35,000 lb), passed over the bridge.