BRIDGE RESCUE: I-65 bridge in Indiana to remain closed due to possible settlement issue

Aug. 11, 2015

DOT still conducting tests after northbound span dropped 9 in.; southbound lanes still open

Indiana officials still aren’t sure when northbound lanes on the I-65 bridge over Wildcat Creek will be reopened.

The Indiana DOT closed the area to traffic after the bridge dropped 9 in. while construction crews worked on a widening project. Soil conditions, an underground artesian spring and the activity on the span are the leading culprits behind the sag, but the Indiana DOT is still conducting tests, and is working with Purdue University to install monitoring devices on the I-65 southbound bridge to ensure that structure is not in any immediate danger.

Moving northbound traffic over to the southbound bridge was not an option due to safety reasons. According to Indiana DOT spokesman Will Wingfield the lanes would be too narrow and there is no room to place a concrete barrier to separate traffic. Northbound traffic on I-65 is being detoured to Rte. 52 and S.R. 28, which connects to Rte. 231. Traffic lights have been installed on the route to help with traffic.