Ohio River bridge remains closed

NEW ALBANY, Ind. — Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels says an Ohio River bridge closed after cracks were found in two support beams will remain closed for more than three weeks as engineers scour the nearly 50-year-old span for more faults.

Daniels ordered the Sherman Minton Bridge linking New Albany, Ind., and Louisville, Ky., closed Friday, a day after the cracks were found. About 80,000 cars had crossed the Interstate 64 span every day.

Daniels said during a Saturday afternoon briefing in New Albany that the bridge will remain closed for more than three weeks as engineers inspect it for more structural faults and determine how to repair them.

Indiana Department of Transportation Chief of Staff Bob Zier said the cracks found Thursday are serious and potentially catastrophic.