Blackiston Mill Bridge could reopen to traffic this summer, but 2 permits stand in the way

NEW ALBANY, Ind. (WDRB) -- It’s been months since any traffic crossed the Blackiston Mill Bridge.

For many in Floyd County, it’s felt like the historic bridge might never reopen. But officials now say the end of the detour is in sight — if the weather and permits cooperate.

County leaders hope to reopen the bridge to traffic by early July. But first, a major obstacle must be cleared: a failed dam.

“The dam kind of took matters into its own hands,” a Floyd County commissioner said. “It broke in early February, and that compromised the integrity of the old bridge. So now, to make the bridge safe again, the dam has to come down or be replaced.”

The county still needs two permits to move forward with removing the low-head dam that failed earlier this year. Once approved, the demolition will take an estimated five to ten working days, weather permitting.

Part of the broken dam will actually be repurposed to reinforce the Clarksville side of the bridge’s approach — a move county leaders say will save on construction costs.

For drivers like Victoria Patterson, the bridge closure has been a major inconvenience.

“We have to go maybe five miles out of the way,” Patterson said. “And if nothing else, take the highway. But the highways are backed up. Everybody’s looking for different ways to get around.”

She’s even started cutting through neighborhoods just to avoid traffic.

“I do anything to avoid the highway,” she said. “We really need the Blackiston Mill Bridge.”

The bridge is a critical connector between Clarksville and New Albany. Since it closed, many drivers have had to take long detours to the only other nearby crossing.

Tuesday night, Floyd County Commissioners took a key step toward reopening it by advancing plans to remove the dam.

The bridge will remain in place — and in use — until a brand new bridge is built. That project is scheduled for completion in fall of 2028.

So for now, county leaders — and drivers — are hoping July brings more than just fireworks.

Previous Coverage:

Floyd County leaders file application with state to remove Blackiston Mill Dam

Floyd County leaders vote to remove failed Blackiston Mill Dam, but future of bridge uncertain

Blackiston Mill Road Bridge remains closed with no reopening date set

No timeline available for reopening of Blackiston Mill Road Bridge after dam failure

Blackiston Mill Road Bridge over Silver Creek in New Albany closed due to dam failure