Former Governor Frank Morrison challenged the existing Nebraska political delegation to develop a monument that recognized the Mormon, Oregon, and California trails along the Platte River from which the major mid-18th century migrations crossed to the West. The solution is a bridge spanning Interstate 80, as both a gateway to the West/East, and as a living monument through which the visitor can experience the history of westward expansion.
The bridge is a 308-foot exposed core-ten steel arching truss. The surface of the bridge is clad with corrugated and dimpled stainless steel panels coated with an electrolytic finish. Structural connections are exposed to showcase a combination of new and old technologies. The entrance is a 53,000 sf storytelling museum and tourist education destination on two-levels. This pavilion and the smaller support structure across the highway are built of stone, wood and steel suggesting the historic past as foundation for the future.
(Completed by 4240 Architecture staff while part of UDG, Inc.)