Ind. 212 bridge to remain closed until 2008

News-Dispatch

MICHIGAN CITY - After further inspection, the Indiana Department of Transportation has decided to keep the Indiana 212 bridge over the South Shore tracks closed until it is reconstructed in 2008.

It should be re-opened by mid-summer after reconstruction, according to INDOT La Porte District representative Joshua Bingham.

A bridge reconstruction contract is scheduled to be let in mid-October. INDOT is speeding up the start date for the project so demolition can begin this fall, Bingham said.

The bridge was closed Aug. 10 after an inspection noted corrosion of span supports, he said.

The original bridge was built in 1972 and rehabilitated in 1997. After a March 2006 inspection determined the overall rating of the bridge as a 3, "serious" condition, it was scheduled for a superstructure replacement this fall and spring 2008, Bingham said.

The official detour is U.S. 35 (Michigan Boulevard) and U.S. 12.