Geotechnical experts observed conditions at the I-65 northbound bridge over Wildcat Creek today and are working to test and analyze the soils and develop a detailed plan to address and prevent further pier settlement.
INDOT Commissioner Brandye Hendrickson briefed Governor Mike Pence by phone today and he is monitoring the situation.
What happened
Structural engineers monitoring the I-65 northbound bridge over the Wildcat Creek noticed movement in the riverbank pier and ordered the bridge closed Friday afternoon. An estimated reopening date for the bridge will not be known until soils testing and analysis is completed. INDOT will work to provide updates as new information is available.
Detour
I-65 northbound merges to one lane and is diverted onto U.S. 52 at Exit 141 north of Lebanon. Follow U.S. 52 north for nearly 17 miles, then turn left at State Road 28. Follow S.R. 28 west for about 10 miles, then turn right onto U.S. 231. Follow U.S. 231 north for about 33 miles until it intersects I-65 again in White County.
INDOT thanks the motoring public for their patience while engineers and other experts work to safely reopen the bridge. INDOT is installing temporary traffic signals at the S.R. 28 intersections with U.S. 52 and U.S. 231. Until those are completed late on Sunday, INDOT and law enforcement staff are helping to direct traffic.
INDOT engineers are monitoring traffic flow on U.S. 231 signals and adjusting timing patterns. INDOT has asked contractors to suspend work where the official detour rejoins I-65 in White County.
Message alerting travelers of the closure are posted on dynamic message signs as far south as the Louisville metro area.
INDOT is working to identify and clear alternate routes other than the official detour. As of this afternoon, all lane closures have been lifted on I-74 for motorists to utilize as well. Drivers may exit I-74 and proceed north on S.R. 63, U.S. 41 and U.S. 24 as an alternate route to I-65.
Stay updated
There are several ways that drivers can stay updated on the closure:
- Follow INDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/INDOT_WCentral or www.twitter.com/TrafficWise
- Follow INDOT on Facebook at www.facebook.com/INDOTWestCentral or www.facebook.com/IndianaDepartmentofTransportation
- Dial 511 from your mobile phone or 800-261-ROAD (7623)
- Watch for dynamic message boards on interstates leading to I-65 northbound
- On the web, visit http://indot.carsprogram.org or http://pws.trafficwise.org
- Turn on the red-yellow-green traffic feature on your mobile map app of choice
