It was named in honor of the early bridge proponent Sam Hill,[2] the builder of the nearby Maryhill Museum of Art.

It is 2,567 feet (782 m) long, including a 341-foot (104 m) main truss span, and weighs 3,595,000 pounds (1,631,000 kg).

[3] The bridge cost $2.4 million to construct and was dedicated in honor of Sam Hill during its opening ceremonies on November 1, 1962.

[6] The bridge was closed during part of 2007–2008 in order to complete repairs to the deck.

Originally the Washington State Department of Transportation planned to replace the entire deck in 2010, but accelerated the project due to rapidly deteriorating roadway.