Traffic could return to Harmony Way Bridge

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)- A grant has been awarded for the continued restoration of the Harmony Way Bridge connecting White County, Illinois and Posey County, Indiana.

A federal Delta Authority Regional Authority (DRA) strategic planning grant of $150,000 has been awarded to the Illinois Authority to continue the engineering design for the restoration of the bridge along with the Indiana Bridge Authority. The bridge was initially built in the 1930s and is registered as a historic structure by the Federal, Illinois and Indiana Historic Registries.

“I’m proud to have helped champion this federal investment to help bring this community closer to restoring a critical piece of infrastructure and a a national landmark into a bridge that will make it easier for our state’s working families to get where they want to go,” said U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth.

The bridge has been closed since 2012, and since 2020 the Illinois and Indiana Bridge Authorities have worked closely together to apply for numerous state and federal grant to secure funding for a reconstruction project. The bridge recently passed inspections where engineers concluded that it was in fair condition and could be restored safely. Engineers say that with a new deck and proper maintenance, the life of the bridge could be extended for another 40 to 50 years.

“This Delta Regional Authority grant is a welcome award and another step forward as the two Authorities’ quest to work together to restore and reopen the New Harmony Bridge which will restore connectivity, end isolation, and stimulate the economy of southeast Illinois and southwest Indiana. We very much appreciate the assistance both Authorities have jointly received from US Senators, Congress, and Governors in Illinois and Indiana as well as the Illinois Department of Transportation and our Illinois and Indiana state senators and legislators for making all of this possible,” says Michael Egbert, Illinois New harmony River Bridge Authority Chair.

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