The idea for the construction of the two bridges came from George Burke, who was the Superintendent of City Parks for the Department of Public Works.

Burke had no prior experience in architecture, engineering, building, or designing, but rather he was a horticulturist and city official.

[4] Up until his death, Burke made significant improvements to both Schenley Park and Phipps Conservatory, including the construction of the two tufa bridges.

Burke chose the bridge locations in a dark and shady area of the park so as to make sure that moss and lichens would cover the stones in order to make the bridges a picturesque part of the Victorian-era style park.

[6] The bridges extended the bridle path across the hillsides and Nature Ravine, Phipps Run.