I-65 Remains Closed Until Engineers Develop Repair Plans

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 Structural engineers monitoring the I-65 northbound bridge over Wildcat Creek since it reopened on Wednesday evening noticed movement in the same riverbank pier and ordered the bridge closed early this afternoon. Both in-state and out-of-state soils or geotechnical experts with the Indiana Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration and Walsh Construction will be on site evaluating. Testing may be needed to identify the proper course of action.

What happened

Structural experts determined today that the existing riverbank pier has settled.  INDOT will work to provide updates as new information is available throughout the weekend.  At this stage in the investigation we do not have an estimated time for reopening the bridge.

Traffic

INDOT has asked contractors to suspend work where the official detour rejoins I-65 in White County at U.S. 231 (Exit 193).  INDOT is working to identify and clear alternate routes other than the official detour.  There are messages posted alerting traffic of the closure on dynamic message signs as far south as the Louisville metro area.

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 and law enforcement staff are helping to direct traffic where S.R. 28 turns north onto U.S. 231 at Romney. In addition, INDOT traffic engineers are monitoring traffic flow at U.S. 231 signals and adjusting timing patterns.

There are several ways that drivers can stay updated on the closure:

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