The $290 million bridge was dedicated to area veterans on September 11, 2011.

[2] The bike path was also dedicated in a separate ceremony that same day in honor of Pvt.

This has led to the bridge having vital importance anytime there is a problem on the Braga; since the northern detour takes approximately twenty miles and the southern detour (over the Mount Hope Bridge and the Sakonnet River Bridge) is over twenty-five miles, it immediately becomes the major path for people coming in and out of the city, and vice versa.

[5] Planning for this bridge started no later than 1998, but was delayed due to its funding being siphoned off by the Big Dig project.

The center span is also significantly taller and wider than the Brightman's, decreasing the frequency of traffic delays from the bridge opening due to a passing boat underneath.