Indiana Bat habitat delays Lincoln Memorial Bridge upgrade project

The Lincoln Memorial Bridge near the Indiana-Illinois state line had been scheduled for maintenance and upgrade work soon, but because of laws protecting the endangered Indiana Bat, the bridge will not close for work until sometime after Oct. 3.

The bridge, maintained by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), is located on State Road 441 in Vincennes, Indiana. It connects Vincennes to Westport, Illinois.

Under Indiana law, any work that would disturb the roosting place of Indiana Bats cannot take place between April 1 and Oct. 1. In the past, the bats have been found living and roosting under Lincoln Memorial Bridge, which makes it a habitat that would be impeded by joint sealing and pavement overlay.

Although the $3.2 million rehab project is on hold, some work will still be taking place on the bridge. INDOT officials are cautioning drivers to be alert and prepare for some delays as workers complete painting and cleaning projects, and flaggers direct traffic.

For project updates and other Indiana travel information, log on to www.facebook.com/INDOTVincennesDistrict or use Twitter at www.twitter.com/INDOTSouthwest or INDOTs TrafficWise website at http://indot.carsprogram.org.