Missouri River bridge redo more than half finished

Patti Jo Peterson
Managing editor

Renovation of the Missouri River Bridge at Plattsmouth is about 55 percent complete according to one bridge commissioner.

Bridge Commissioner Pat Dugan said 300 feet of new decking has been installed on the Nebraska side.

“There are 200 feet left on the Iowa side,” he said.

Dugan is warning motorists that River Road will be closed from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting the week of Aug. 1 due to construction on the bridge.

“They are removing deck and can’t take the chance of dropping anything on people or vehicles traveling underneath the bridge,” Dugan said. “It will be open at night but closed during the day.”

Despite recent storm activity, construction is a little ahead of schedule and plans remain for a November opening. Because the bridge is off the ground, the winds have blown under it. Rain quickly runs off the bridge as well.

“Weather has had no effect, but they don’t want to get too optimistic, because you never know what will delay them a few days,” he said.

Before renovation, the bridge swayed with wind and other weather factors to some extent.

The recent construction is turning it into what is known as a “rigid bridge” with much less sway factor.

“It’s a more supported structure,” Dugan explained.

Many people have commented that the new railing seems too low for the structure.

 “The railings are the same height as the bridge at Highway 75 crossing the Platte River. They are standard to Nebraska bridges or a little lower, but they fully comply with all Nebraska and federal highway standards,” Dugan said. “The lower railings really open up the view when you drive over it.”