E-News Update: Princeton Covered Bridge, Medicare 101 Seminar and more

January 14, 2026

IDOT Update: Safety updates, signage planned for Princeton Red Covered Bridge

IDOT Update - 2026 - Friday, January 9, 2026

Plans to restore Princeton's iconic Red Covered Bridge made significant progress in 2025, with the new year promising to put into focus the exact repairs that are needed and a schedule to complete them.

The bridge suffered extensive damage after it was hit by an oversized truck and severely damaged two years ago, forcing its closure.

While much engineering work remains to be completed, the scope of the necessary repairs to the 162-year-old structure was finalized and received approval from the State Historic Preservation Office on Dec. 8.

Public invested in a landmark

Like many other covered bridges owned by the state, the Red Covered Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and protected under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966., But it also has the distinction as the only state-owned covered bridge still open to traffic, accommodating an average of 275 vehicles a day.

In addition to vehicles, the bridge draws tourists from around the globe and serves as a picturesque backdrop for countless proms and weddings.

Given the bridge's historical significance and local interest, the city of Princeton and the surrounding community are heavily invested in its repair and reopening.

Following meetings with local officials and state Rep. Ryan Spain, whose district includes the bridge, IDOT agreed to keeping the public informed on progress through quarterly updates instead of hosting public meetings, ensuring a steady flow of information on the project and avoiding adding months to the construction schedule.

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Law Enforcement Appreciation Day- Jan. 9

Every day, across towns and cities, law enforcement officers quietly step into their roles as protectors, peacekeepers, and pillars of safety in our communities. They wear their badges as a commitment to uphold justice and ensure that our neighborhoods remain places where families can thrive. On Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, we pause to honor these individuals who dedicate their lives to serving others.

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Pritzker Signs Energy Bill with $8 BILLION rate hike

Recently, Governor Pritzker signed a new energy bill last week called the "Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act" or "CRGA". Below are my comments from the House Floor when CRGA- the latest energy price hike on consumers- was debated last year. It will be incredibly important that Illinois legislators change course on energy supply in 2026. I voted NO on this bad bill.

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UPCOMING EVENTS: