The goal of the competition was to create an iconic architectural element which ties both shore neighborhoods with the waterfronts while eliminating the need for pedestrians to cross traffic lanes and empty lots.

The winning design [6] was submitted by Endres Ware (now Endrestudio) in association with OLIN, Ammann & Whitney Archived 2006-02-03 at the Wayback Machine, Auerbach Glasow, and RWDI.

[9] A bridge connecting the North Side to the West End was first proposed in 1912 by Pittsburgh businessman Henry Tranter (1865–1940).

[12] During the $46 million project, the bridge was fully rehabilitated and its four northern approach spans were replaced with a new set of ramps.

[13] The U.S. Department of Transportation determined that removal of the approach spans did not compromise the qualities that made the bridge eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.