Union Pacific Missouri River Bridge

The Union Pacific Missouri River Bridge is a railway bridge made of steel trusses that spans 533 meters across the Missouri River, connecting Council Bluffs, Iowa with Omaha, Nebraska. The structure rests on deep foundations anchored in the riverbed, with a robust framework of support columns throughout its length.

The current structure was completed in 1916 and is the third bridge at this location, as earlier versions from 1872 and 1885 could no longer meet the growing demands of railroad traffic. The evolution of these bridges shows how quickly transportation needs changed across several decades.

The bridge serves as a key part of America's railway network and shows how technology and industry shaped transportation connections between East and West. For visitors today, it stands as a visible reminder of how engineering transformed commerce across the continent.

From the Iowa side, the bridge is easily accessible near Harrah's Casino, and it operates continuously for train traffic. It is best to view this bridge from a safe distance to avoid interfering with active rail operations.

During construction, engineers used compressed air techniques to drive steel columns deep into the riverbed, creating stable foundations without interrupting train service. This method was a remarkable engineering achievement for its time.

Location: Iowa

Location: Nebraska

Official opening: 1916

Length: 533 m

GPS coordinates: 41.24970,-95.91720

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:42