$1M repair project set for southern Indiana covered bridge

SEYMOUR, Ind. (AP) - State highway officials say work will begin this spring on a $1 million project to preserve a 19th century wooden covered bridge in southern Indiana.

The Indiana Department of Transportation says the Shieldstown covered bridge in rural Jackson County will involve replacing the roof and rotten wood, repairing piers and building a parking lot for visitors.

The agency says the bridge was built in 1876 over the East Fork of the White River about five miles west of Seymour. It's been closed to vehicle traffic since 1980 but remains a tourist attraction.

Chief contractor Duncan Robertson Inc. of Franklin is responsible for maintaining the bridge's historical integrity and will use white oak, yellow pine and yellow poplar wood in the project.

The work is set for completion by August 2016.