The steel truss bridge (#55) on Collier Ridge ( the Red Bridge) is closed indefinitely due to irreparable structural damage. The bottom chord of one truss has totally failed at the bearing plate and the other chord at the bearing plate is completely fractured. The structure is unsafe to carry any traffic and will require replacement.
The County Highway Engineer, Todd Listermann, will be meeting with INDOT in April, to again request Federal funding assistance to help cover the cost of replacement. Federal Highway funds (administered by the State) for the replacement was sought about 2 years ago when the County proceeded with the repair of the slide area on the Collier Ridge hill. The bridge replacement was not considered to be a high enough priority for the County to receive funding at that time. Mr. Listerman will be making a plea for increased priority because of the failure.
The replacement plan includes widening the bridge to 2 lanes and realigning the bridge for better traffic flow and safety. The bridge condition and replacement issues will be discussed at the April 6th Commissioners meeting.
Ralph Thompson
Commissioner
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