For years it has connected Nebraska and Iowa, south of Omaha proper along highway 370.
The Bellevue toll bridge faces an uncertain future.
Some want to study whether the bridge is even needed anymore.
The reason is the new highway 34 bridge which opened between the Bellevue Bridge and the Plattsmouth Bridge in October of 2014.
The Bridge Commission, in charge of maintaining it, says the revenue they generate from tolls isn't nearly enough to make what could be $60 million to $80 million in needed changes over the next five to 20 years.
If it gets too old and can't be repaired, it could eventually shut down.
"Nobody I've talked to has ever said they want the bridge shut down,” said Scott Guy, Bellevue. “They want it open. They want it to stay. It's actually part of the history of the Bellevue area."
It's connected Iowa with Old Towne Bellevue for nearly 65 years.
Many living in Bellevue say it is vital to the historic neighborhood's success.
Business owners say closing it would be devastating.
"Very likely see a dramatic drop in traffic in Old Towne, said Margie Guy, owner of A Bridal Boutique & Tux. “Potentially, it makes it more difficult for people to get to us overall."
This summer, the Bellevue Bridge Commission will do a study to determine if and how long the bridge can stay open.
"We'd like to maintain the bridge for another 20 years if possible,” said Commission Chairman Donald Fenster. “At some point, that bridge is going to have to be replaced. The purpose of the study that MAPA is doing is to determine the need."
Once the study determines how long the bridge will last, the Bridge Commission will start planning for the future replacement project, which would include lanes widened from two to four and major structural improvements.
The study will give the commission more specifics.
"We're going to know the status of the bridge and what it is we have to do in order to maintain the bridge,” Fenster said. “Our goal is to maintain that bridge for as long as possible. Once that bridge no longer has life left we would like to see it replaced."
The study will also help the Commission find the best way to access state and federal dollars, since the toll fee doesn't generate nearly enough money for the needed changes.
