NEW HARMONY, IN (WFIE) -
Federal Highway officials were in New Harmony Friday morning to discuss the future of the closed Wabash River Bridge that links Indiana and Illinois.
It was closed in May, when inspectors declared it structurally unsafe for traffic.
Federal officials say they called this meeting so state and local officials could give their opinions on what they think should be done with the bridge, in an open floor format.
The options they're exploring seem simple: restore it, replace it, or tear it down.
Residents say whatever they decide will have a huge impact on them and their local economy.
"When the bridge closed the last time, there was a 20-30% drop in business for a lot of the local businesses," said Johnathon Scott, who owns a local bed and breakfast.
"It's one thing to hop over for a 20 minute drive, but it's another if you have to go the other way and it ends up closer to 50 minutes," said Alan Cato, who lives by bridge.
Scott owns Cook's on Brewery, a New Harmony bed and breakfast, and he says he's had his share of losses because of the bridge closure.
"I did have one guest that was quite irate with me and ended up on the other side of the bridge," he said. "It took her an hour to try and get to the Indiana side and she canceled. She ended up going and staying somewhere else."
Some locals propose the idea of opening the bridge, but only allowing local traffic across.
"It would eliminate the wear and tear and the upkeep and maintenance on the bridge," said Cato. "Whatever they do, I think we all agree we'd like to have the bridge back."
A decision has not been made. Engineers have inspected the bridge.
The next goal is to have them all agree on how much it would cost to replace it, restore it or tear it down.
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The options they're exploring seem simple: restore it, replace it, or tear it down.
