Burt County Missouri River Bridge, Truss bridge in Decatur, Nebraska.
The Burt County Missouri River Bridge is a truss bridge that crosses the Missouri River connecting Decatur, Nebraska and Onawa, Iowa. It features a distinctive metal grillwork floor that gives travelers a direct view of the water below.
Construction finished in 1951, but the official opening came in 1955 after the US Army Corps of Engineers completed work on the Missouri River. The delay reflected the need for river management work before the bridge could safely serve both states.
Local people call this crossing 'That Scary Ass Bridge' because of the metal grillwork floor that lets you see the river directly below. The name reflects how residents experience the mix of wonder and unease when walking or driving over it.
The bridge is open year-round for traffic in both directions, though the metal grillwork surface can become slippery in wet conditions. Drivers should adjust speed when weather turns rainy or snowy, and the open floor may feel unsettling for those with height concerns.
Until late 2013, this was one of Nebraska's few toll bridges, but became free and is now jointly managed by Nebraska and Iowa. The shift removed a financial barrier for regular travelers between the two states.
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