In the News

A bridge between two tri-state communities that has been closed since 2012  is one step closer to possibly re-opening. The Restore Harmony Way Bridge Act may be the last piece of the legislative puzzle for the communities of Crossville, Illinois and New Harmony, Indiana, towards re-opening the new harmony bridge and restoring connections between the towns. "It would take me exactly 30 minutes to get from right here to my driveway, and if the bridge were open, it would take me exactly 20 minutes to get from right here to my driveway," said Sara Brown, owner of Sara's Harmony Way. She commutes every day from Illinois. It's not just the shorter commute that people miss; it's the human connection. "I miss talking to all the people at the tollbooth, and that kind of thing. It was kind of nice at the end of the day to stop through and still get a few minutes to chat with those folks." said Eli Frashier, a manager at New Harmony Inn. He commutes from Illinois every day as well, and says his commute almost doubled when the bridge closed. The bill authored by Congressman Larry Buchson effectively passes control of the bridge from the federal level back to the New Harmony Bridge bi-state commission established by Indiana and Illinois. "Creating the two state authorities gave the bridge a home where it could land local and in local control," says Indiana Bridge Authority co-chair Lora Arneberg. The bill passed the house unanimously and will now need approval from the senate. "I hope the Senate says "yes!"' says Brown. Congressman Buchson says he is working with Senator Todd Young to get the act passed in the senate through a process called "hot-lining." "What that means is they put the bill out, say it's going to be passed with unanimous consent, which means everyone agress and unless someone objects to it, it's deemed passed," said Buchson. Two Illinois politicians have praised this legislation stating the two states can work together in the partnership of the New Harmony Bridge Bi-State Commission to (hopefully) opening the bridge. “I want to thank U.S. Congressman Larry Bucshon of Indiana for getting this critical piece of legislation through the U.S. House. I look forward to its passage in the Senate and signature from President Trump. Giving Illinois and Indiana the authority to work together in the partnership of the New Harmony Bridge Bi-State Commission will hopefully lead to the New Harmony Bridge one day reopening. It’s refreshing to see local communities and leaders, state officials, and federal officials all working together to get this across the finish line,” said State Sen. Dale Righter "I am happy that the hard work of so many people of both sides of the Wabash is about to come to fruition," said Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15), whose district includes the Illinois portion of the bridge. "In particular, I want to thank Congressman Larry Bucshon (R, Indiana-8), who authored the legislation, which conveys the structure to a New Harmony Bridge Bi-State Commission established by Illinois and Indiana." The bridge reopening would not only shorten travel time, but boost the economy. "I can't tell you how many people have said if the bridge were open, I would be here all the time, and I know that to be true," said Brown of customers. "We'd be able to get more employees from those communities and interstate commerce, like I mentioned before, I think would be excellent for our communities," said Frashier. They're aiming to push the bill through before congress recesses for the holidays. If it passes, it might be the greatest gift of all for New Harmony and Crossville. "It's like, haha! Merry Christmas!!"  If the bill passes the senate, the next steps include meetings between the two state authorities. A big decision will be whether the bridge will be a pedestrian bridge, open to vehicles, or both.