The bridge is notable for its complex design that was required to accommodate river traffic, the St. Paul Union Pacific Vertical-lift Rail Bridge crossing underneath it at an angle, and roadways on the downtown side of St. Paul.

The bridge was commissioned in the early 1920s to replace a wrought-iron span, originally built in 1884–1885, that had become obsolete due to increasing traffic.

The engineers also had to provide adequate clearance above the river, as defined by the United States War Department at the time.

Finally, the bridge had to clear Second Street in downtown St. Paul and work through a busy manufacturing district at the south end.

One of the members of the crew building the bridge was Warren Burger, future Chief Justice of the United States.