Traffic flow is no longer disrupted during train crossings; this was a frequent problem with the former bridge.

The new span relied heavily on steel for its construction rather than concrete to reduce the number of piers needed to be placed in the river.

The entire project was large in scope, due to the amount of business and residential properties that were affected by its chosen location.

[1] The original design of the bridge was hotly contested between Benton County and the City of Sauk Rapids, and the dispute was nearly taken to court.

The city feared that such a design would adversely affect businesses in the downtown area and desired instead that the bridge land on Benton Drive.