This bridge was built as part of the Oahe Dam project. It provides easy access to the dam power house from Fort Pierre without traffic having to go up and over the dam. This is convenient for both the work crew and folks using the recreation areas below the dam. The bridge is located about 2/3 of a mile down stream of the overflow outlets on the west end of the dam. The river channel carries the overflow water to the main channel of the Missouri River.

The Powerplant Road Bridge is a relatively simple structure. It was built by driving tubular piles into the riverbed. Some piles are vertical to better carry the load of the bridge, while some are set at an angle to help keep the bridge from moving sideways. There are 14 piles for each pier. A concrete cap was placed on top of the piles. The bridge steel was then erected across the piles. Finally, the road deck was built on top of the steel girders.