The bridge was built in 1913. Construction is timed to the 300th anniversary of the dynasty of Russian tsars Romanov, indicated by a bronze wreath with the dates 1613-1913 mounted on the bridge. The bridge is dedicated to Emperor Alexander I, who restored the work of the University of Tartu, interrupted during the Northern war. On the street side of Vallikavu the bridge is decorated with a bas-relief of the Russian Emperor.