Today officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially reopen the Grabill Road Bridge.
News release from the Allen County Board of Commissioners:
Allen County Commissioners Reopen Grabill Road Bridge
Allen County, Indiana (October 31, 2025) – Today the Allen County Board of Commissioners and the Allen County Highway Department, along with elected officials from Leo-Cedarville, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially reopen the Grabill Road Bridge.
There has been a bridge connecting the east and west banks of the St. Joseph River near Leo-Cedarville for over a hundred years as an essential route connecting communities in northeast Allen County. When the Cedarville Reservoir and dam were constructed, the bridge was relocated to its current location. The former bridge, built in 1965, had been refurbished once since then and was showing its age.
Utilizing INDOT’s 80/20 program, the county leveraged state assistance to help complete the project. The Allen County Highway Department helped the Town of Leo-Cedarville and coordinated the work with INDOT, designer Engineering Resources Inc., and Contractor Miller Brothers Construction.
The super structure or bridge deck was completely redone. The bases of the piers were secured with riprap and a pipe 30’ under the bridge was lined with a product to extend its life. Allen County had to work closely with City Utilities to coordinate when they could lower the water level in the Cedarville Reservoir.
Commissioner Ron Turpin thanked and recognized all the residents in the area and local businesses for their patience in dealing with the detours and construction traffic. He also noted a new feature that was added to the bridge – a sidewalk – noting, “as trails, connectivity and walkability are important features in placemaking, it was important to the county to include the sidewalk. Now individuals can safely cross the river to enjoy Riverside Gardens Park and walk or bike into town.”
Commissioner Rich Beck shared, “I want to thank everyone for a bridge well-built. We’re grateful for all the hard work and innovations that went into making this important artery a structure that will stand the test of time.”
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