ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. -- The Elkhart County Commissioners Office announced on Monday that it will be immediately closing C.R.142, between C.R. 42 and C.R. 29 to accommodate upcoming bridge construction.

"The bridge over the Elkhart River, during an inspection in August 2024, was found to have one lane compromised and the commissioners closed the bridge partially, keeping one lane open until the bridge could be rebuilt," a statement from the commissioner's office states.

"However, on the night of June 10, 2025, an unauthorized person moved all the barricades, which allowed both lanes to be used, creating a hazard for the public."

Since that incident, the commissioners have decided to close the entire bridge for safety in preparation for construction.

Estimated bridge construction schedule for the project:

• July 7, 2025: Commissioners will open contractor bids
• July 14, 2025: Commissioners will award the project
• July 28, 2025: Commissioners will issue the notice to proceed
• December 8, 2025: Bridge Re-opened to all traffic

Officials say the bridge would have been closed anyway near the end of July for construction to proceed.