Bypass bridge is completed on a totally different road alignment to SR 7. The covered bridge is boarded up at both ends, and the original road through town does not connect the bypass road. Just read an Indiana Economic Digest article saying along the lines the bridge is to undergo an extensive renovation, and afterwards it would still be open to vehicular traffic. Just hope no truckers trust their gps like one did in Spencerville.
Work has began to bypass this bridge. It wasn't that big a surprise. Scipio probably has at least 100 or more residents. So the road this covered bridge is on is probably an artery where there is considerable traffic. I remember first seeing the Scipio bridge in 1989 after the rehab in excellent condition with an 11 ton limit. That hasn't lasted and traffic become heavy. What matters is that after the bypass the covered bridge is well maintained and not forgotten.
IMO bypass is seldom a good thing, with it usually comes a disincentive to budget for maintenance of the claddings and clean the leaflitter away from the Bed Timbers.
Looks like this bridge will be bypassed based on recent contracts posted.
Nicely renovated & can be accessed thru the Scipio Fire Station parking lot. Not an actual bypass bridge, although it is suitable to drive thru for a scenic view