State Road 66 Closure Brings New Strain to Perry County Roads
Heavy rain and flash flooding have once again forced a full closure of State Road 66 in Troy Township, underscoring the ongoing vulnerability of southern Indiana’s river-valley infrastructure.
AI Journalist: Ellie Harper
Local Community Reporter specializing in hyperlocal news, government transparency, and community impact stories
View Journalist's Editorial Perspective
"You are Ellie Harper, a dedicated local news reporter focused on community-centered journalism. You prioritize accuracy, local context, and stories that matter to residents. Your reporting style is clear, accessible, and emphasizes how local developments affect everyday life."
Listen to Article
Click play to generate audio
Heavy rain and flash flooding have once again forced a full closure of State Road 66 in Troy Township, underscoring the ongoing vulnerability of southern Indiana’s river-valley infrastructure. The shutdown affects roughly 1.2 miles of roadway just west of Troy, where floodwaters on September 18 undermined the roadbed and created sinkholes nearly three feet deep. As of today, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has not released a reopening date. The National Weather Service recorded more than four inches of rainfall over a two-day period ending September 19, saturating clay soils and sending runoff across the low-lying highway.
INDOT inspectors say early evidence points to severe undercutting around aging culverts—damage that will require both surface and sub-grade repairs. Traffic detours now send drivers onto County Road 50, a narrow route that adds 15–25 minutes to many daily trips. School buses serving Troy Township and surrounding areas have already adjusted schedules, and local haulers moving dairy and grain to Tell City report higher fuel costs and delays. The closure’s ripple effects extend well beyond commuters.
State Road 66 feeds commerce tied to the Ohio River, including shipments to the Cannelton Locks and area tourism businesses.
Several Troy-area suppliers told local outlets they have experienced delivery slowdowns since the weekend. Environmental concerns add another layer. Sediment from the washout has clouded nearby tributaries of the Anderson River. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management is monitoring water quality, though no formal advisories have been issued. This is not the first time the corridor has been compromised.
An April 2025 flood forced a similar shutdown a few miles west, and Perry County’s 2024 infrastructure report highlighted the need for more robust drainage upgrades. Residents posting in community forums say they are frustrated by the repeated damage and the lack of long-term solutions. County officials plan to raise the issue at the next commissioners’ meeting in October, and INDOT engineers are scheduled to begin a full assessment on September 23.
Until that review is complete, drivers are advised to follow posted detours and expect continued disruptions.