It was built in 1913 by the Dominion Bridge Company and was named after John Walter, an early settler who ran a ferry at this approximate location.

[6] Demolition of the 1913 bridge began in October 2017 after the decking, sidewalks, and utilities had been removed, and was completed by the end of that year.

In 2001, an Edmonton City Council committee rejected a $190-million proposal for a tunnel under Saskatchewan Drive to directly connect the new bridge to Gateway Boulevard.

[8] Construction began on a replacement bridge in early 2013 and was scheduled to be completed in late 2015; however, it did not open (two lanes only) until September 18, 2017.

Roadway and trail links north and south of the bridge were partially complete, and the pedestrian access and all lanes opened on September 29, 2017.