Originally conceived in 1877, construction started in 1888 before being stopped one month later by a court case brought by local residents.

On the other side was a neighbourhood called "Morro do Chá" (now Republica and Consolação), which lacked good transportation and policing.

In order to get between the two, a long tram ride in a 'U'-shape around the valley was required,[1] or to go down a steep descent[2] to the Ponte do Lorena and cross there,[3] returning up a slope on the other side near to Rua Xavier de Toledo.

[5] It was São Paulo's first viaduct, and was named after a nearby tea plantation[6] called Morro do Chá.

[5] The bridge was strengthened and enlarged in 1902 when electric trams were introduced to the city, and the valley that it passed over was turned into a park in 1910.

[4] A new double-width bridge made of reinforced concrete was constructed[1] with a long arch supported by two pillars, adjacent to the original viaduct.

[4] It was designed by Elisário Bahiana,[2] and was inaugurated on 23 February 1938;[7] the original viaduct was demolished[1] starting on 18 April 1938.

[5] The park below the bridge changed substantially in the 1940s, with the river being taken underground and new roads constructed in the valley passing under the viaduct.