Thousands of people turned out for the dedication of the new Discovery Bridge over the Missouri River.

The bridge links Yankton, S.D., and South Yankton, Neb. It replaces the 84-year-old Meridian Bridge, which still stands a half mile east.

Saturday's dedication included governors from both states and a student from each state cutting a ribbon on the south end of the $23 million structure.

U.S. Sen. John Thune of South Dakota noted in his remarks that the bridge was completed ahead of schedule and under budget.

The name of the bridge was selected from hundreds of submissions from the public. Yankton resident Dave Spencer, who entered the "Discovery" name, was among the first to drive across it.