Construction was expected to be complete in June 2004, but work fell behind schedule due to inclement weather, unusual flooding of the Ohio River, and the partial sinking of a floating construction barge which carried one of the cranes used to work on the center span of the bridge.

In 1992, ODOT initiated a long-range study to determine whether to continue to rehabilitate the existing bridge or construct a new span.

It was also deemed notable for "the role the General U. S. Grant Bridge design occupies in the career of David B. Steinman.

Steinman achieved national renown as a bridge designer and author during his long career from 1914 until his death in 1960.

"[4] On July 3, 2001, the original suspension bridge was permanently closed to traffic and the entire structure was torn down within a few months.