The Abandoned State Route 52 Phantom Bridge, Cedar Grove, Indiana

If you have ever driven U.S Route 52 between I-74 and the town of Brookville, Indiana, you probably noticed the abandoned bridge on the west side of Cedar Grove just 50 feet north of the roadway. The bridge was built sometime between 1910 and 1920 and is probably the second bridge at this location although I was unable to get any information from the Franklin County Highway Department or the Franklin County Historical Society as to if this theory was correct.

The concrete arch bridge is about 100 feet long and spans Big Cedar Creek. It was bypassed in 1956 as shown in this aerial photo that captures construction underway for the current Route 52 Bridge. The present bridge was updated in 1985.

Bridge Historian Tony Dillon has pointed out the unusual triangle pattern that can be found on the railings. This is the same pattern that can be found on a bridge on West Main Street in Richmond, Indiana.

The bridge is deteriorating further each year and it will only be a matter of time before it ends up in the creek. Until then, this is an easy phantom Bridge to see if you’re in southeastern, Indiana. check it out!

GPS Location: 38º57’57.5″N 85º12’47.6″W

Video Release Date: February 13, 2023