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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 8, 2015
Geotechnical Experts on site Today Developing
a Plan at Wildcat Creek Bridge
TIPPECANOE COUNTY,
Ind. – 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:
View this message on the web
 
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