INDOT and Rieth-Riley Construction mobilized to finish demolition and rebuild part of the U.S. 36/Rockville Road bridge over northbound Interstate 465. Rockville Road was re-opened to traffic on May 1, 2017.
About the Project
The U.S. 36 / Rockville Road bridge over I-465 was rebuilt in 2009 as part of the Accelerate 465 corridor project. The existing bridge plans were used to quickly reproduce replacement beams. Four beams, each weighing about 70 tons and measuring 125 feet long, were manufactured as quickly as possible and installed on Feb. 28. More accurate estimates for project completion can be given as work progresses.
INDOT is using an existing bridge maintenance and repair contract with Rieth-Riley to complete the emergency repairs as soon as possible. The on-call, or job-order, contract is designed for high-priority bridge repairs that are beyond what can typically be performed by INDOT’s in-house maintenance crews. The pilot program was launched in early 2016 and is intended to reduce project costs and delivery time.
It is INDOT’s practice to seek reimbursement on behalf of taxpayers for damages to state property. The damages to the Rockville Road bridge are much more extensive than a typical INDOT claim. On claims of this size, INDOT’s practice is not to estimate but rather invoice based on actual expenses. This process will take time as INDOT captures and documents all costs associated with the crash and repairs.
About the Bridge Damage
At about 8 a.m. on Jan. 10, a mobile car crusher on northbound I-465 crashed into the Rockville Road bridge and destroyed four of about 14 load-bearing girders. 
After closing the interstate and the overpass to secure the location and assess damage, INDOT engineers determined the damaged girders would be removed. Demolition contractors mobilized immediately, working through the night to complete removal of the damaged beams and reopen the interstate at about 12:30 p.m. the next day, Jan. 11.
One lane of eastbound traffic on Rockville Road was shifted across the median to share the undamaged westbound side of the bridge until reconstruction was completed. The eastbound Rockville Road loop ramp to northbound I-465 was closed until the project was completed.
Latest News
- 5/1/2017 - Rockville Road Bridge Over I-465 Opens
- 2/23/17 - Rockville Road Bridge Beams to be Installed Next Week
- 2/7/17 - Final Demolition Advances Median Pier