Ports of Indiana cuts ribbon on new Burns Harbor bridge
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A new highway bridge into the Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor is expected to open Wednesday, a major part of a $35.4 million project to double capacity on a key connector into Chicago and northern Indiana.
The new 1,200-foot bridge crosses over U.S. 12 and the rail lines just south of Burns Harbor, connecting the port to Interstate 94, as well as U.S. 12, via State Road 249. The next step for the Indiana Department of Transportation and contractor Superior Construction is to close and reconstruct the existing bridge.
The port has had only two-lane access since opening in 1970, the Ports of Indiana said in a news release. The new State Road 249 bridge is expected to support the port’s future growth.
“This bridge is a critical connector for global trade,” Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock said. “Ports require robust multimodal connections, and this new entrance will double our port’s capacity to handle critical ocean shipments. We have 17 ship berths and storage for 250 railcars, but only one truck lane entering the port.”
The entire $35.4 million project is expected to be completed in 2026.
“State Road 249 is vital to the safe and expedited movement of people and commerce between the port and our state highway system,” INDOT Commissioner Michael Smith said. “The bridge handles hundreds of thousands of trucks annually carrying heavy, high-value cargos such as steel, chemicals, and ag products. Meanwhile, 30 feet below, critical rail lines carry passengers and freight throughout northern Indiana.”
The two bridges are part of $77 million in construction projections at the port, Inside INdiana Business reported earlier this year. Other projects include three new ship berths, two railyards and an 84,000-square-foot bulk warehouse.
Burns Harbor is among three ports operated by Ports of Indiana. The Jeffersonville and Mount Vernon ports are on the Ohio River.
Ports of Indiana last year recorded a near record amount of cargo in its 63-year history, Inside INdiana Business reported. A study released last year said the three ports support more than 49,000 jobs and generate $8.7 billion in economic impact for the state.