August 14, 2008

Missouri river Pedestrian Bridge to open soon

The $22 million bridge connecting Omaha and Council Bluffs is expected to be ready for visitors by the end of September or the beginning of October. The original completion date was slated for sometime in November.

The two towers and bridge spans are already done. Work is being completed now on the railing and lights. The bridge will feature various types of decorative lighting.
 

	Arial view of bridge and plaza on the Omaha side.

Gallup Inc. donated $300,000 to fund lights that will illuminate both of the 204-foot bridge towers and the 80 bridge cables. The Suzanne and Walter Scott Foundation is supplying the funding for color LED panels that will light up the tops of the bridge towers. The colors for the lights can be changed easily for special occasions. 
  A ceremony will be announced to celebrate the official opening of the bridge.

A plaza at the base of the bridge on the Omaha side will not be completed in time for the opening but should be done soon. It will feature sculptures and a fountain as well as green space. It is being funded through private donations.