The work on a major bridge that crosses the Indiana-Illinois stateline in Vincennes has been delayed nearly six months.
Earlier this year, construction began to renovate the bridge near George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, as there were a number of safety concerns with the stone facades and pillars.
Despite removal work going well, the start of the next phase has been pushed back.
Chief Ranger Joe Herron said much of “phase two” will include removing the rest of the brick and working with a contractor on how to restore the large stone pillars that overlook the structure. Originally, the National Parks Service, who is overseeing the project, was supposed to start that process in October– but Herron said that will now begin in March.
“We are waiting on the next phase of the project, it’s been pushed off six months until March, when they will put it out for contract,” he said. “It’s largely just the workings of government contracting and everything that goes into it.”
Once that work begins, it should last about 18 months. That will raise questions for drivers, as the bridge was closed for about three months in early 2023.
Herron said while they don’t know exactly how long closures will last– the bridge will not be closed for the entirety of the work.
Herron said they will not know the costs until contracting is done, but the main priority is restoring the bridge and maintaining it’s historical integrity– all while making it safer for those who drive over it, or walk nearby.
“We are eager to see the work happen, we are eager to get this back 100%, and make it nice and safe for the public,” he said.
