Walking across the first pedestrian bridge between two states may not sound so unusual; but considering that the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge officially opened to the public on Sunday, September 28, 2008, that a structure dedicated to pedestrians crossing between two states had not opened in the past is somewhat of a wonder.
Walking Across The First Pedestrian Bridge Between Two States
Named for the former governor of Nebraska, this unusual bridge — whose nickname is Bob — allows pedestrians to cross the Missouri River at their leisure. The curvilinear S-shape alignment of the main span purportedly reflects the grace and power of the Missouri River below.
This bridge ranks as one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the United States at approximately 2,300 feet in length.
I decided to cross this bridge myself from Council Bluffs in Iowa to Omaha in Nebraska. A sign greets pedestrians with a list of rules and recommendations on being courteous when using the bridge.
Walking, jogging, bicycle riding, and the use of roller blades and wheelchairs are all permitted on the bridge — as long as no one travels greater than ten miles per hour. Pets must be on leashes; and bags are provided for their waste.
The day I walked across the bridge was cold, dreary, and grey. The wind was especially strong while crossing the Missouri River. Few people were using the bridge on that day.
The twin pylons — each 203 feet tall — that provide anchors for the bridge and the 80 steel cables which support its deck are considered to be part of a marvel of engineering and design.
Pedestrians today can travel seamlessly between events, recreational facilities. entertainment venues, employment hubs, and greater than 100 miles of trails which are now connected on both sides of the Missouri River.
On the deck of the bridge is a spot which demarcates the border between Nebraska and Iowa. Standing on this spot is apparently called…
…“bobbing”, according to a sign that is attached to the bridge.
In addition to the ramps on either side not being all that steep, benches are located on the center span of the bridge on which one can relax, read the information on the placards, and enjoy the views…
…although the view of the Missouri River facing north of the bridge is not all that spectacular, to be honest.
Aside from a few buildings on the Nebraska side of the Missouri River, not much is offered to be seen in this view — unless a vessel is using the river.
The views looking south are not much different — and are arguably not much better, either. The Missouri River Bridge carries the traffic on Interstate 480 between Nebraska on the right and Iowa on the left.
Omar the Troll
Meet Omar, who is the official “troll” of the bridge. I asked Omar in an exclusive interview about why he chose to reside under the bridge on the Nebraska side and not on the Iowa side. He declined to respond.
In fact, he curiously did not answer any of my questions. He simply looked whimsically towards the cloudy sky over Omaha with three of his bottom teeth peeking out from his blue lips and his walking stick behind him.
I decided to leave Omar alone at his home under the bridge. I can verify that he is of no danger to children; but he likely will not play with them.
Final Boarding Call
The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is rather quirky and mildly fun. I recommend taking a walk between Iowa and Nebraska across the Missouri River — which is the longest river in the United States. Give yourself approximately 30 minutes each way to walk across the bridge.
I did not get a chance to visit — and walk across — the bridge at night; but it is supposed to be a “spectacular” sight to see with its with its ovions. cables, and decking all illuminated. I definitely believe that viewing this bridge at night would be quite interesting, given its rather unique design.
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
705 Riverfront Drive
Omaha, Nebraska 68102
Free parking for vehicles is available at Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park in Council Bluffs. Accessing the bridge from downtown Omaha is rather easy for pedestrians; but the bridge is not conveniently located near downtown Council Bluffs for pedestrians due to both a distance of five miles and being separated by Interstate 29 and Interstate 480.
No admission is charged to use the bridge, which is never closed to visitors. No facilities are available at the bridge itself.
Walking across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is one of several interesting things to do in the greater Omaha metropolitan area.
All photographs ©2023 by Brian Cohen.
