This bridge crosses Pettibone Slough, a back channel of the Mississippi River. It serves the entry way road to Pettibone Park, which is on west side of the main river channel directly across from downtown La Crosse.

One photo below shows where the roadway ends at the main channel of the Mississippi River, while another photo shows the pavement of the old river crossing looking west towards Minnesota. This was once the main highway river crossing for La Crosse. An automobile struck the main span bridge pier in 1935, resulting in that bridge collapsing. It was replaced by the Cass Street Bridge, which opened in 1940.