With the last main component of the Sherman Minton Renewal—hanger cable replacement—nearly finished and incidental construction work remaining, the project team is expecting the major rehabilitation project to be complete, with all lanes open on the bridge during daytime hours by mid-November 2024.
The nine-day directional closure that took place in August was the final long-term closure of the project. While lane restrictions will continue until project completion, the longest closures have concluded. One additional short-term directional closure is scheduled to begin Friday, September 13, and will allow for the safe removal of the painter’s platform above the lower deck, affecting eastbound traffic only. Additional overnight ramp closures at the I-265 interchanges with I-65 and I-64 will also be necessary beginning on or after the evening of Monday, September 23, to restore ramp striping to its permanent configuration, weather permitting.
Hanger cable replacement is a significant component of the final phase of construction, with crews replacing a total of 136 cables. To date, 116 of the 136 cables have been replaced and the contractor is currently completing additional preventative maintenance work on the bridge while remaining materials are fabricated, tested and delivered to the site in late September.
“Once the hanger cable replacement is complete, the work that remains is similar to punch list items for a home renovation project,” said Danny Corbin, Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) project manager. “It is important and necessary work, but represents smaller components of rehabilitating a complex, uniquely designed structure like the Sherman Minton Bridge.”
Over the next several weeks, the contractor will focus on incidental construction work to complete the fifth and final phase of the project. This includes miscellaneous construction activities that will require partial restrictions for crews to work safely.
“We appreciate the public’s continued patience as contract crews work to wrap up the final construction activities of the project. The Sherman Minton Renewal will add up to 30 years of life to this vital community connector,” said Corbin.
