04/07/2026
Another Hit? Not This Time: Central Avenue Bridge Closing for 5 Weeks of Repairs and "Bumpers"
CONNERSVILLE — It’s the bridge that has been hit more times than most local drivers can even remember. Now, the infamous CSX Railroad bridge on North Central Avenue is scheduled for a major overhaul that will knock out traffic for over a month.
The bridge, is now slated to close starting Monday, May 4, 2026. While a May 5 start was originally on the table, project representative Andrea Janka confirmed the date is now set for that Monday.
"Bumper" Protection for an Infamous Bridge
The closure is expected to last five weeks as crews move in for a specific repair project. Janka, representing Safety Services & Supply, Inc., explained that the work is a direct response to the bridge's history of being struck by over-height vehicles.
According to Janka, the project involves, "Scope: Bridge Steel Repairs & Crash Beam Installation." She noted that crews will be fixing the existing beams and installing "bumpers" in front of the structure. The goal is to ensure that the next time a truck is too tall, it hits the bumper instead of the bridge itself.
Detour Information
A formal Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) plan is in place to move drivers around the work zone.
Signed Detours: A detour route will be clearly marked for local traffic.
Traffic Flow: Local officials have reviewed the plan and are comfortable with the detour, noting that a lot of traffic is already bypassing the area.
Primary Impact: The closure will shut down North Central Avenue between 10th Street and 11th Street.
Motorists should plan for extra travel time and look to use Eastern Avenue as a primary bypass starting May 4.
