The Burt County (Nebraska) Bridge Commission, Iowa Department of Transportation, and Nebraska Department of Roads have begun talks regarding needed repairs and planning for long-term sustainability of the Missouri River Bridge that links Nebraska Highway 51 and Iowa Highway 175 at Decatur.
The three entities share common objectives:
– To ensure a safe and continuous Missouri River crossing at Decatur now and in the future.
– To plan for a seamless replacement of the existing toll bridge when it reaches the end of its useful life in ten to twenty years.
– To alleviate motorists having to travel over 40 miles to the nearest Missouri River crossing at Sioux City or Blair. (Routine maintenance activities may require temporary closure or restrictions.)
The next steps will involve briefing the Iowa and Nebraska Highway Commissions about alternatives available to accomplish the three objectives.
