KC firms win bid to build Omaha's Missouri River pedestrian bridge

[KCMax]

Trust me, Kansas City is getting it's 'fair share' of federal money. 

Actually no - Missouri is a strong "doner" state to the federal budget.  And what little money does make it here usually winds up on the eastern half of the state - especially for transportation. 

Where do you think we are, Alaska?

[DTO]

Hmm with KC companies building the bridge wouldn't a lot of that money end up in KC? Just a thought.

Here are a few more pics from before the lighting ceremony. These are from a lighting test and a vibration test.

[staubio]

Finally! Now it won't cost $10 every time I want to cross between the casino and the Old Market at 2 in the morning.

[Highlander]

You don't think these earmarks stop at bridges do you ?  Trust me, Kansas City is getting it's 'fair share' of federal money.  I'm just ecstatic that some of it went to something which I can use and enjoy.  Some how I doubt you guys would be too unhappy about having such a pedestrian bridge down your way either.

I am sure we would take it but I am not sure we would know what to do with it.  I cannot think of anywhere in KC where development along our riverfront has created an environment on either side of the river that a bridge would be essential for connection.  Across from the River Market area, the only commercial/residential development of any scale along the river, is the NKC industrial area.  A bridge that facilitated commuter bike traffic would be far more valuable and I believe that may be happening with the Paseo Bridge(?).

[DTO]

Here's the bridge and the skyline from the Old Market Lofts.

[mykem]

Nice pics DTO! That is one nice bridge!

[DTO]

Thanks. It officially opens up this Sunday so we'll see how much it gets used. There is a lot of buzz about the bridge.

[moderne]

Maybe the new light rail bridge could be something like this and include a pedestrain/bike lane?

[GRID]

Maybe the new light rail bridge could be something like this and include a pedestrain/bike lane?

The project will have a 1% for art right?  How about using that to fund the bridge?

BTW, you guys act like this light rail thing is a done deal.  I'm amazed at the confidence.

I honestly have my doubts on whether it will pass.  Funk is being a moron, the economy could be a total disaster by November and gas prices are down to 3.30 a gallon.  Add in the fact that "it doesn't go anywhere" (stadiums, suburbs etc) and it's an all at grade system that will average 15-20 mph and I'm just not sure.

Anyway, good photos of the bridge in Omaha.  I really like it.  It looks like a major highway bridge or something from a distance, especially at night.

[NDTeve]

Wonder how many suicides are gonna happen off that puppy.

[DTO]

I'm so tired of hearing that. People have been saying it's going to lead to some sort of mass suicide.

People have already been jumping off of the car bridges here already. This isn't going to make any difference. And so what if they jump off? That's their choice.

And for the record someone has already "attempted" suicide. Some guy was sitting on the railing for awhile. The cops came and got him down. If he really wanted to jump he would have done it instead of waiting.

[NDTeve]

I'm so tired of hearing that. People have been saying it's going to lead to some sort of mass suicide.

People have already been jumping off of the car bridges here already. This isn't going to make any difference. And so what if they jump off? That's their choice.

And for the record someone has already "attempted" suicide. Some guy was sitting on the railing for awhile. The cops came and got him down. If he really wanted to jump he would have done it instead of waiting.

Lighten up...it was a joke and a rip on Omaha.

[DTO]

Well it was wasted on me. We've heard about it from day one. Some idiot said the Fed should be responsible for all suicides off the bridge. Plus I still don't think it's a fatal fall. Jumpers off of other (higher) bridges in Omaha have all survived. Some weren't even injured.

[moderne]

As light as the bridge is relative to the span, it looks like it would sway a lot in a moderate gust.  Maybe the s curve stiffens it?

[DTO]

The bridge is very sturdy but has to have some sway in it. I was actually part of the tests testing the bridges ability to withstand vibrations beyond what they would expect for capacity. The bridge also withstood the storm this past June the ninja kicked the shit out of everything else in town.

[eomaha.com]

I was at the official opening this afternoon and saw something I'd never seen on the Mighty Mo before...



Pretty gutsy... they would reel him in just in time as he approached the bridge.

[schugg]

Awesome.              ^^

[brad_in_omaha]

Couple from tonight   

[DTO]

Here's a few from the other night.

[KCPowercat]

would this be dubbed the bridge to nowhere?

Kidding, kidding...cool looking bridge.