Sec. 28. (a) This section applies to the Matthew E. Welsh Toll Bridge at Mauckport.

     (b) This subsection applies notwithstanding sections 16, 17.1, and 19 of this chapter. On July 1, 1992, without a deed of conveyance, the bridge becomes the property of the state, toll free, and a part of the state highway system.

     (c) The department shall negotiate with Kentucky for the purpose of making an agreement for the maintenance of the bridge.

     (d) The agreement described in this section must include the terms of the agreement set forth in the NINETEENTH provision of the interstate agreement entitled “AGREEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF BRIDGES OVER THE OHIO RIVER IN THE MAUCKPORT, INDIANA-BRANDENBURG, KENTUCKY AREA AND THE CANNELTON, INDIANA-HAWESVILLE, KENTUCKY AREA AND APPROACHES THERETO” (approved August 8, 1963), to the effect that when one (1) or both of the bridges described in the agreement become toll free, the cost of the program described in subsection (c) shall be borne fifty percent (50%) by the Commonwealth of Kentucky and fifty percent (50%) by the state of Indiana.

     (e) The agreement described in this section must provide that the bridge shall be maintained through a program to preserve, repair, and restore the bridge with its elements to its original designed or accepted standard, and to offset the effects of weather, organic growth, deterioration (aging, material failure, design and construction faults), traffic wear, damage, and vandalism. The bridge’s elements include such items as travelway surfaces, shoulders, roadsides, drainage, drainage facilities, signs, markings, lighting, and fixtures. The maintenance program must include bridge inspection, snow and ice removal, cleaning, painting, repairing, and replacement of rails, floors, stringers, and beams.

     (f) Notwithstanding subsection (b), after June 30, 1992, and until Indiana and Kentucky make an agreement as described in this section, the bridge is not toll free and the rates in effect on June 30, 1992, continue to be in effect.

As added by P.L.386-1987(ss), SEC.19. Amended by P.L.18-1990, SEC.149.