In the 18th century, several attempts were made to link the Faubourg Saint-Antoine and the area of the Jardin des Plantes. Finally, in 1801, the construction of a work was decided; its construction took place. However, in 1854 the bridge, which was considered dangerous was rebuilt with its arches in masonry. The bridge soon proved inadequate in respect of the growth in the volume of traffic and it was subsequently enlarged. The work was carried out between 1884 and 1885 giving the work its present aspect.