ODON - A new $14 million railroad bridge located just north of Elnora is expected to help attract more economic development to the I-69 corridor. Thursday morning, U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly, State Senator Eric Bassler, Congressmen Larry Bucshon and Marlin Stutzman and Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann were on hand to commemorate the opening of the bridge that spans over the White River two miles north of Elnora. Also on hand for the opening was gubernatorial candidate John Gregg.
Donnelly, Bucshon and the Indiana Department of Transportation were all a part of securing the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery or a "TIGER" grant that helped cover part of the costs associated with the construction of the up-to-date bridge that can handle speeds of up to 40 miles per hour and loads up to 286,000 pounds. TIGER grants help the U.S. Department of Transportation invest in projects involving roads, rails, ports, and transit.
"With our Odon Transload's proximity to Naval Support Activity Crane and I-69, we see a host of economic development opportunities for the town of Odon and the entire I-69 corridor," said Indiana Rail Road President and CEO Peter Mills, adding several area businesses also helped bring the new bridge to fruition. "With a combination of superior customer service and aggressive co-marketing of the region with our local partners, we can bring a lot of opportunities for growth."
The Indiana Rail Road opened its Odon Transload, located 2 miles east of the I-69 and SR 58 interchange, just two years ago. Arrow Reload Systems, Inc. operates the facility that transloads products such as construction and farm equipment, liquids, steel, bulk products and more. The transload is served via the White River Bridge, which connects Crane, Duke Energy, Indianapolis Power and Light, Berry Plastics, GPC and many others to the North American rail.
Constructed of steel-girder and pre-stressed concrete, the bridge replaces the original White River bridge which was constructed over a century ago. According to a release issued by the Indiana Rail Road, the previous bridge was built in 1899. In more recent years, due to the age of the truss bridge, weight restrictions had been implemented. Trains could also pass over the bridge at no more than 10 miles per hour meaning that loads had to be limited.
"We are so proud of this bridge," said James Merritt, vice president of corporate affairs for the rail company. "We really enjoy the relationship we have with Odon."
Since the bridge will mean more freight can be transported via rail, Bucshon said Indiana can now compete with companies from around the world, making Daviess County a prime spot for new development.
"Indiana doesn't just compete with other states for companies," said Bucshon, adding the access to both roads and rails should be appealing to new businesses. "We are competing for companies with other countries around the world."
Donnelly described the project completion as a prime example of people, regardless of political affiliation, working together for a common cause.