Illinois, Indiana Laws Support Bridge Project

Picture Courtesy: Harmony Way Bridge Project

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Illinois lawmakers have passed a measure similar to one approved in Indiana earlier this year to create a bridge authority to own and manage the Harmony Way Bridge between New Harmony and southern Illinois. Harmony Way Bridge Project leaders say the moves pave the way to "re-imagine" the structure, which has been closed since 2012.

The bridge has been owned by a federally-created commission since the 1940s. It closed about six years ago because the commission did not have the funding to repair it.

Leaders with the Harmony Way Bridge Project hope to turn the structure into a pedestrian space. Project Director Lora Arneberg says both states passing similar laws in such a short time is "very encouraging" and "speaks to the importance of this project to the region."

The organization says Indiana’s Regional Cities Initiative was also a catalyst in moving the project forward by providing the means to develop the pedestrian park idea. You can find more information about the effort by clicking here.