May 14, 2006

Final bridge design chosen

	The Pedestrian Bridge will span the Missouri River all the way to the Council Bluffs Levee.

Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey selected the twin towers and cables bridge design as his choice for the new pedestrian bridge that will span the Missouri River from Omaha's riverfront to a landing on the levee in Council Bluffs.

The Kansas City team was selected for the project partly because of their experience with cable-stay suspension bridges in Milwaukee, WI, Wichita, KS and Boston, MA. Two other design/build teams had also submitted proposals for building the bridge.

Both Mayor Fahey and Council Bluffs Mayor Tom Hanafan feel the bridge will be an economic boost for both communities and serve as a vital link in connecting the nearly 150 miles of bicycle and pedestrian trails that run along both sides of the river.

The $22 million, 3,000-foot bridge will include two 200-foot-tall towers and cables that will hold the bridge 52 feet above the river. The three-sided towers and cables will be lit at night creating a picturesque setting between the two cities. A review committee that participated in the design decision stated they felt the two towers symbolized the partnership between Omaha and Council Bluffs.

The bridge will be funded mainly by a $19 million federal grant that was awarded for the project in 2000. State and private funds will make up the remainder of the cost.

The final contract will go before the Omaha City Council in June. If approved, construction could begin this fall with a tentative completion date of November 2008.