Designed by consulting engineers David B. Steinman (1886–1960) and Holton D. Robinson, of New York,[5] the St. Johns was the longest suspension-type bridge west of the Mississippi River at the time of construction.

The proposal for a bridge was initially met with skepticism in Multnomah County, since St. Johns and Linnton were over five miles (8 km) from the heart of the city, and local business owners had minimal political clout.

But after a lobbying effort that included a vaudeville-style show performed at grange halls and schools throughout the county, voters approved a $4.25 million bond for the bridge in the November 1928 elections.

[7] The construction of the bridge began a month before the stock market crash of 1929 and provided many county residents with employment during the Great Depression.

[8] Because of its proximity to the Swan Island Municipal Airport, some government officials wanted the bridge painted yellow with black stripes.

Included in the project was replacement of the deck, repainting of the towers, waterproofing the main cables, lighting upgrades, and improving access for bicycle and pedestrian traffic.

The vessel did eventually get through after three climbers came down, although it was met by dozens of kayakers in the water who joined the effort to slow or stop the ship from moving forward.