Wildcat Creek Bridge has been closed to traffic since Friday afternoon when structural engineers noticed continued movement in the riverbank pier. The bridge had been open for less than two days following the overnight installation of temporary steel supports to stem problems found on Tuesday 4 August at the same pier.
INDOT said at the time of the initial closure that the condition of the structure, combined with construction taking place in the area, appears to be what caused some of the bridge bearings to fall out from underneath the bridge deck in a short time span. This was quickly noticed by construction crews, who observed unusual movements in the bridge deck and investigated further. The support system was ordered immediately and installed the next day.
At a briefing yesterday, INDOT said that all resources are being brought to bear to ease congestion and reopen the bridge.
Both in-state and out-of-state geotechnical specialists from Indiana Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration and Walsh Construction are working on site evaluating the bridge to identify the proper course of action.
