End in sight as crews pave Blackiston Mill Bridge connecting New Albany, Clarksville

NEW ALBANY, Ind. (WDRB) -- The end is in sight for southern Indiana drivers having to take detours between New Albany and Clarksville.

Blackiston Mill Road has been paved across the bridge connecting New Albany and Clarksville.

The bridge, which runs over Silver Creek, has been closed since February after the dam failed underneath it.

The sudden change in water flow chewed away part of the embankment and eventually collapsed a portion of the roadway, leaving a massive hole and forcing the bridge to close.

Crews started work to remove the dam earlier this month, using the broken concrete and stone to rebuild the eroded embankments. Engineers said the main support structure of the bridge is still in good shape.

Floyd County Commissioners said Tuesday the bridge is nearly ready to reopen. It still needs to be inspected before traffic can cross. Leaders said that process should be done soon.

The cost of the dam's demolition is $200,000, with 75% covered by the River Heritage Conservancy, the group behind Origin Park. That group has also been involved in another high-profile project: the contested removal of the Providence Mill dam in New Albany, which is tied up in legal proceedings with the city over ownership rights.

Previous Coverage:

Blackiston Mill Bridge in southern Indiana could reopen by end of summer as dam removal begins

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

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

Legal battles, safety concerns fuel controversy over low head dams in southern Indiana

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