Many bridges were constructed in Franklin County following the flood of 1913. One of those historic bridges may soon be demolished.
The Franklin County Observer is reporting that INDOT is planning to demolish the Old Cedar Grove Bridge in 2015.
The century old bridge has been closed to traffic since 1999, but some local residents and historical organizations have attempted to save it in recent years by proposing to repair and repaint the bridge and use it as part of a hiking and biking trail.
The 360-foot bridge has overlooked the Whitewater River since 1914.
State officials have federal funding and recently obtained permits for the demolition, the Observer reported. The announcement was made public by Franklin County Engineer Ted Cooley.
Local resident Terry Duffy said the bridge is a significant structure with some architectural importance.
“But that is secondary as far as I am concerned. The true value of the bridge cannot be appreciated unless you stand in the middle of it and look down the river,” Duffy explained.
“It is a large structure that is high above a really nice river valley. People do not get the opportunity to stand in a place like that without cars wizzing by them. It has a great feel to it.”
Commissioner Scott McDonough said county and state officials restarted negotiations last month about the county reclaiming responsibility for the old bridge and Old SR 1. The county reportedly would not accept a deal that included the Cedar Grove Bridge.
The bridge is eligible to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places and National Register of Historic Bridges, but has yet to be registered.
It appears that the bridge will likely be demolished next year.
