Residents frustrated with I-65 bridge closure
LAFAYETTE, Ind (WISH) — Geotechnical engineers will be testing and analyzing the soil around the I-65 bridge seen moving while cars were traveling northbound near Lafayette.
The Indiana Department of Transportation said temporary trafic signals will be placed soon at SR 28 while experts work to fix the I-65 problem.
The Frazier’s hope the steel grinder bridge built in 1969 gets repaired soon because, until then, they will see traffic day and night. The couple is living with it but said it’s been quite the inconvenience.
The bridge re-opened for one day and was quickly shut down, this time with no re-open date officially announced.
“Traffic starts at 7:30 a.m. and then slows down around 11 a.m. It then starts again in the evening around 6-7 p.m. At night we don’t go anywhere, it’s almost impossible to leave our home to go anywhere. When they first shut the highway down, ,traffic was lined up with cars stopped at a standstill for a straight hour,” said Lois Frazier.
INDOT Commissioner Brandye Hendrickson said Governor Mike Pence is aware of the repairs that need to be made.
They said he will be monitoring the situation. Their engineers are also monitoring traffic flow on U.S. 231 signals, and adjusting timing patterns.
“We are working to identify and clear alternate routes other than official detour. As of this afternoon, all lane closures have been lifted on 1-74 for motorist 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 1-65,” said INDOT Commissioner Brandye Hendrickson.
INDOT is rerouting drivers off I-65 onto US 52 at mile marker 141. Drivers will then head north for about 17 miles, and turn left on State Road 28. The drive then heads west for about 10 miles before turning right on US 231. From there, it’s another 33 miles before drivers can get back onto I-65 in White County.
INDOT officials said motorists can dial 511 or call 800-261-ROAD for updates.