Brownston to restore historical bridge

BROWNSTON, Ind. (AP) - Officials in Jackson County expect work to start this spring on restoring a 19th century wooden covered bridge.

The state Department of Transportation has awarded a nearly $1 million contract for the repairs to the Medora Covered Bridge near the community.

County highway Superintendent, Warren Martin, says the bid from CLR Construction and Transportation of Vincennes was more than $400,000 less than the next-lowest bidder. The project is being paid for with federal stimulus funding.

The Jackson County tourism group says the 434-foot long bridge was built in 1875 and is the longest 3-span covered bridge in the country. The structure has deteriorated over the years and hasn't carried traffic since a nearby concrete bridge for Indiana 235 was built in 1972.