Completed and fully opened to traffic in 1951, this three-span bridge carried Walnut Lane over Lincoln Drive and Monoshone Creek.

Although this type of construction had been used in Europe for quite some time, the Walnut Lane Memorial Bridge was innovative in the United States and led to the successful application of this technology in this country.

However, the replacement structure (the new Walnut Lane Memorial Bridge) comprises prestressed concrete girders and is similar in appearance to the original.

A bronze plaque on the bridge's abutment reads: Dedicated November 11, 1950 Opened to Traffic February 1, 1951 The First Prestressed Concrete Girder Bridge Built in the United States This structure is symbolic of the integrity and ability of the engineers and builders who during sixty six years – 1885-1951 – of Public Works Administrations, constructed many worthy projects for the City of Philadelphia.

Bernard Samuel Mayor of Philadelphia A second plaque reads: "Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement / Designated May 1978"