Daviess County Engineer Jason Heile (he-lee) reported on Washington’s overhead bridge to the Daviess County Commissioners on Monday.
He reported a traffic count of 1800 vehicles a day which use the ancient structure and noted the overhead bridge was in very poor shape, with a 5 ton load limit. The Commissioners approved Heile’s suggestion that the City of Washington, the County, and other necessary parties begin discussions and planning for the repairs on the overhead bridge.
At Washington’s City Council meeting Monday night, Mayor Joe Wellman also talked about the joint project. The Mayor was pleased to get something underway, but noted that even after the repairs; the overhead bridge will remain closed to truck traffic
The Daviess and Pike County Commissioners are teaming up to try to get INDOT to address State Road 257 at the Pike/Daviess County line between Washington and Otwell. As a result of on-going flood related issues and accidents in the area of the East Fork of the White River, a joint letter is being sent requesting a meeting with INDOT officials.
This past spring INDOT did not secure barricades at the river bridge and a motorist drove through the moved barricades and became trapped in the flood waters. Both counties want INDOT to address the all too frequent problems on this road which carries over 2500 vehicles a day.
The six commissioners want to to discuss if an overflow structure can be built in a low area. Or possibley if the road can be flattened in the flood plain to make the road safer in case someone disregards the barricades. It would also look at the possibility of raising 257 without having an impact on those living upstream. How to fund any project would also be discussed.