NEW ALBANY, IN (WAVE)- We have gone through more than a month without being able to use the Sherman Minton Bridge. Officials were getting closer to deciding which company will help repair the bridge.
WAVE 3 took a look at the impact the bridge closure is having on some New Albany businesses more than one month later. The Sherman Minton bridge sits still, dormant of interstate traffic, more than a month after it was closed because of a crack.
Diana Miller has been keeping an eye on it. Her diner on Market Street isn't far from the bridge.
"I've been here 27 years," Miller said as she sat with a cup of coffee in her diner.
Where Miller is taking the hit is customers who would normally show up during third shift.
"We had a lot of the Louisville crowd from, on 3rd (shift)...so it's impacted that," She said.
She said there was some benefit to the closed bridge. She is getting more customers from the Indiana side of the Ohio River.
"More from the Knobs, and Greenville, and out in that area are are making it to New Albany and not just crossing the bridge," She said. "They're getting here."
At the Book and Music exchange, Co -Manager Nick Hardy said he has seen somewhat of a business decrease. But he has also seen some new arrivals, other than merchandise.
"I don't ask everybody where they're from as soon as they come in the door, of course," Hardy said. "But, I'd say it's maybe a little bit more New Albany people, yeah."
As the expected selection date of October 18th approaches, the bidding process for contractors to help repair the bridge continues. Still, the I-64 bridge is projected to remain closed for months.
"Oh, I'm hoping sooner," Miller said with a smile "Just because I hate fighting the traffic to go across the bridge, when I go."
Hardy said he thinks people will adapt.
"People always adapt, so, I mean, maybe it could be good for New Albany, here. Businesses might suffer for a little bit, but in the long run it might be better," Said Hardy.
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