The bridge was built in 1929, replacing a ferry that previously operated at the site. It was designed by the
Omaha Structural Steel Works. In November 2006 it was decided to repair the bridge rather than build new bridges. Earlier plans had called for a new $42 million two-lane bridge and bypass of Plattsmouth. The new bridge would have been about south of the existing one. In November 2007, ownership of the bridge was transferred from the private Plattsmouth Bridge company to the public Plattsmouth Bridge Commission. Between April 21, 2008, and November 9, 2008, the bridge was closed as part of a federally funded bridge restoration. As of 2011, the toll for cars was $1.25. In 2018, the toll for cars was raised to $1.75. In 2014, Highway 34 was rerouted to a new four-lane bridge farther upstream, north of the
Platte River and above its junction with the Missouri. Structural repairs were completed in 2018, allowing the weight limit to be increased to 40,000 pounds (20 tons); the toll was increased to $1.75. ==See also==