A bridge serving I-65 North which was briefly closed down two weeks ago for repairs has been closed to traffic once again – this time until at least mid-September. EDIT: The bridge issues have closed down I-65 Northbound from Ind. 25 to Ind. 38 just North of Indianapolis.
When inspectors closed the bridge at Wildcat Creek down initially, they noticed that the concrete piers had sunk about nine inches into the riverbed, causing the steel spans that support the bridge to sag. Upon reopening however, inspectors found that repairs would need to be much more in-depth in order to make the bridge safe for the 16,000 cars and 8,000 trucks that cross it every day.
Northbound traffic that would normally go over the bridge will have to be diverted to avoid the 37 miles of highway between Ind. 25 and Ind. 38 (North of Indianapolis), which is estimated to take at least an additional hour due to congestion, lower speed limits off of main roads, and additional miles added to the route.
The total cost to the trucking industry while the bridge is down has not yet been calculated, but Michael J. Hicks, professor of economics and business research at Ball State University is hearing from trucking companies that it’s costing them an additional $250 per trip.
Barbara Hunt, the vice-president of the Indiana Motor Truck Association has said that it’s adding an average of an hour delay.
Repairs to the bridge are underway and it’s hoped that it will be reopened sometime in mid-September. According to the Indiana DOT, “the solution is to install high-strength, small-diameter steel casings with rods and grout, known as micropiles, through the footers of the existing pier and deep into the soil. Micropiles have been used effectively to stabilize other bridge piers around the country.”
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Source: truckinginfo, truckinginfo, overdrive, overdrive, indot, indystar, jconline
Image: Indiana DOT
BV says
This isn’t surprising news since many,many bridges throughout the Interstate system are ready to fail. Of all the money that’s been collected in gas,fuel road use etc. the citizens suffer on some of the worst roads in the 1st world. We all know what happend to the money Government is the problem.
jc says
Why is it Indiana is always under construction in the same places year after year? Is it to much to ask for them to fix the roads right the first time, heck expanding 65 north of Louisville and south of Indianapolis is needed but they would rather hire contactors to do a half@$$ job and come back 2-3yrs later.
Gino says
Ice storms 2 years ago destroyed the road just after it was resurfaced
Richard Patnode says
I love the fact that there is not one mention of the location of the bridge,other than an obscure reference to Wildcat Creek (?), Ball State and Indiana Motor Truck Association. No actual location or mm noted whatsover. Good job.
Robert Langellier says
I Google mapped the creek myself and followed it to I-65. Looks like it’s Lafayette, around mm 174. Come on, Truckers Report.
Gino says
The Wildcat Creek Bridge is just south of exit 175 Indiana 25
Gino says
When you go by it on the northbound side you can rely see the sagging
Tim says
I remember from a previous article that it’s near Lafayette (between Indy and Chicago).
Salty Lad says
Right? Do they expect Hairpiece to personally come out to Indiana and design the new bridge or something?
Gary Tate says
It’s I-65 north at the 173 mm in Lafayette In.
Dave says
My ancestors were pioneers in that area, farming, sawmilling, built and operated a floating dredge. the stories my grandmother told were of a land of swamps and quicksand before it was drained for farming. hard place to get solid roads built through. Not surprising to have bridge sinking.
Mark Triplett says
Type these coordinates into a Google search bar and you will be presented with a Google maps image of exact location. Switch to satellite view if needed.
4.4416930,-86.8393409
The detour recommended by InDOT is as follows: 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, and then turn left at State Road 28. Follow S.R. 28 west for about 10 miles, and then turn right onto U.S. 231. Follow U.S. 231 north for about 33 miles until it intersects I-65 again at Exit 193 in White County.
Gino says
I got it down to a 15 minute delay in non peak hours. I get back on 65 north at exit 173 you don’t have to take the whole detour.
Gino says
Sorry its ex 178 IN 43
Alan says
Glad they used all that stimulus money on shovel ready jobs