Newburgh Starts Riverbank Protection Project

Visitors to downtown Newburgh will notice a little extra construction over the next few weeks, but it's all part of an effort to protect one of the town's most beloved spaces.

The Town of Newburgh has begun a riverfront stabilization project along the Ohio River adjacent to Water Street. The work started Monday, July 13, and is expected to continue through August 3, weather permitting.

The project comes on the heels of another construction project that just began near Newburgh Elementary, as the town continues investing in public infrastructure and pedestrian safety.

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Why the Project is Needed

According to town officials, years of riverbank erosion, made significantly worse by the March 2025 Ohio River Flood, damaged the area beneath the riverfront walkway.

Crews will repair and install new erosion protection beneath the walkway to help:

• Stabilize the riverbank
• Protect the Rivertown Trail
• Preserve the Water Street corridor
• Reduce the risk of future erosion

The project is funded through Indiana's READI 1.0 Program, with the Town of Newburgh also seeking FEMA reimbursement for eligible flood-related damage.

What Visitors Should Expect

Construction will temporarily affect portions of the downtown riverfront.

During the project:

• A section of the Rivertown Trail will be closed, with pedestrians detoured to the north side of Water Street.
• Parking will not be available along Water Street from Honeymoon Coffee to Monroe Street.
• Westbound traffic on Water Street will remain open.
• Downtown businesses, restaurants, government offices, and residences will remain accessible throughout the construction.

Town officials encourage drivers and pedestrians to follow posted signs and allow a little extra travel time while work is underway.

Protecting One of Newburgh's Most Popular Destinations

Whether you're grabbing coffee, enjoying dinner along the river, or simply taking a walk on the Rivertown Trail, Newburgh's waterfront is one of the community's defining features.

While a few weeks of construction may be an inconvenience, the goal is to help preserve the riverfront for years to come and reduce the impact of future erosion along the Ohio River.

Keep scrolling to see photos from the 2025 flooding across the Evansville and Henderson area.