Indiana bridge closed for inspection after traffic increase

BATTLE GROUND, Ind. (AP) - A northwest Indiana bridge that spans the Wabash River has been closed to traffic indefinitely for a structural inspection after large trucks recently used it as a detour.

The State Road 225 bridge in the Tippecanoe County town of Battle Ground has been closed numerous times over the years due to flooding on the river.

But the Indiana Department of Transportation said the current closure is needed for a full structural inspection after the 12-ton limit bridge saw an increase in traffic on June 11.

INDOT said 'œover-sized semi-trucks'ť used the 12-ton limit bridge as a detour while Interstate 65'²s northbound traffic was diverted through Lafayette on June 11 due to a fatal accident in White County.

The state agency said that a 'œcomprehensive structural inspection'ť will be conducted of the bridge for safety before it is reopened at a later date.