Opened in 1917, the bridge replaced the original Hannibal Bridge which crossed the river about 200 feet (61 m) downstream on the northern bank, but at virtually the same location on the southern bank.

After the Buck O'Neil Bridge opened in 1956, vehicular traffic was switched over to the new span and the auto deck was removed later that year.

The bridge is owned and maintained by the BNSF Railway and carries two tracks.

The Hannibal Bridge survived the 1951 Kansas City flood after being hit by four river boats that tore loose from the mouth of the Kansas River, forcing the swinging span open.

This article about a bridge in Missouri is a stub.