NEW HARMONY, Ind. — Illinois officials have decided that state won't help replace an aging toll bridge over the southern part of the Wabash River between Indiana and Illinois that was shut down in May because of safety concerns.

Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider sent a letter to Indiana legislators who represent the area around the New Harmony Bridge saying the agency's top priority was maintaining its current roads and bridges.

Indiana Sen. Jim Tomes tells the Evansville Courier & Press that having a bridge at New Harmony is important to the town's vitality.