Closed Bridge Causes Big Headaches During Holiday Season

Drivers still need to find a different route between parts of Illinois and Indiana. The New Harmony Bridge was scheduled to reopen next week, but it looks like it wont happen for another month. The state is making two repairs. Fixing the existing crack and putting in more support. Theyre expected to reopen mid December - halfway through the busiest time of year for new harmony businesses. The only sound coming from the New Harmony Bridge is water. Theres no cars to be found here but there are signs of construction. "The west part of the bridge is where they want to build a pier on the garter system," says Vice Commissioner Dr. David Rice. The state is putting in extra supports after finding a large crack closing the bridge temporarily two months ago. "It really is a tragedy coming this season of the year." And a tragedy for the Red Geranium. The quaint restaurant pulls you in with its music and atmosphere. But thats not enough with the bridge closed. Rose Wilkinson has served at the red geranium for 38 years "Less tables less money less regulars that you see." Shes never seen business so slow and says its because of the bridge. "They promised it would be open by Thanksgiving." But the reopen wont happen until just before Christmas. That worries Wilkinson too. "With Christmas in New Harmony coming up December first Im afraid its really going to hurt us." But theyll keep going - hoping to hear cars - coming from the new harmony bridge - not just water Along with adding extra supports - crews are sealing the crack. As long as the weather holds out - commissioners say construction will be done before Christmas.