The original Fore River Bridge was built in 1936, and connected Weymouth, MA to Quincy, MA crossing the Fore River. It was an art déco style double-bascule drawbridge and lasted almost 70 years before it was demolished, in 2002, because of structural deterioration. In 2004, MassDOT built a temporary replacement vertical lift bridge, which could raise 200 feet.

MassDOT began a three year planning process to decide what the permanent replacement for the temporary bridge would be in 2009. It was decided that a steel vertical lift bridge with a single movable span between its two towers would be the best replacement. 

Construction on the new bridge began in November 2012, and was completed in June 2018 at a cost of $272 million. It has three approach spans on each side, and the towers lift the center of the bridge to over 220 feet. The increased height means the bridge can now accommodate larger freighters and provide access to the Fore River’s Port area. A portion of the temporary bridge was saved, and donated for use in Perches, Haiti.