The project took about a decade to overcome various political and social obstacles, and construction began in 1992 on the new freeway and bridge.

The freeway north of the bridge from Tybouts Corner to Christiana was originally designated as a southward extension of Delaware Route 7.

It was redesignated as a northward extension of Delaware Route 1 once the bridge was completed on December 9, 1995, concurrent with the opening of the Relief Route freeway from Tybouts Corner to Biddles Corner.

The old St. Georges Bridge was scheduled to be demolished, however local opposition saved the bridge and it was rehabilitated with new lead-free paint, new roadway deck, and several joint and structural repairs that allows heavier vehicles to use it.

The bridge, built between 1991 and 1994, utilized pre-cast concrete segments that were made in Cape Charles, Virginia, and transported by barge until it reached the job site.