The Indiana Department of Transportation announces the State Road 225 bridge over the Wabash River will remain closed for repairs until a bridge rehabilitation project starts in July of 2024. This is between Battle Ground and Old State Road 25. After completion of this project, the current weight restriction will be lifted and the bridge will reopen to traffic. INDOT has made this decision with the safety of the motoring public in mind.
The State Road 225 Bridge was originally built in 1910. It is listed as a historic bridge and requires following procedures outlined by the National Environmental Policy Act and the State Historical Preservation Office.
Reopening the bridge with an existing weight restriction risks further damage to the bridge from overweight vehicles and another closure. The risk includes the possibility of significant damage leaving the bridge unrepairable. With the rehabilitation project to begin in 2024, keeping the bridge closed until then eliminates risk to the bridge and the public and ensures the opportunity to rehab the bridge and extend its serviceable life.