Lake of the Ozarks Community Bridge stops toll collection | Mid-Missouri News [Video]

The Lake of the Ozarks Community Bridge stopped collecting tolls Tuesday after more than 25 years as the state’s only toll road. 

Ownership of the bridge was transferred to the state of Missouri.

”It’s like losing an old friend, but we are so happy about this. After 26 years, this bridge is paid for,” Jim Warner, executive director of the Community Bridge Transportation Development District (TDD), told television station KY3.

The TDD said the funding from the tolls generated enough funds to fully pay all outstanding mortgage bonds and other liabilities. It previously estimated the bridge would be toll-free by 2026, which means the bridge became toll-free two years earlier than estimated and 18 years ahead of the original term of the bond debt, according to a news release. 

To mark the special occasion, officials tracked down the first person who ever paid the toll, and he got to be …