Red Covered Bridge enters next engineering phase

Red Covered Bridge enters next engineering phase

The planned restoration of Princeton's Red Covered Bridge has entered a new phase. The move from Phase I preliminary engineering to Phase II design and plan preparation brings the 163-year-old structure closer to being back in service.

IDOT's District 3, which is managing the project, spent the first phase defining the scope of work and determining a preliminary cost estimate. Phase II involves preparing detailed construction plans, specifications and a cost estimate. Preliminary plans have been provided by the project consultant to District 3 for review. A second review is expected during the summer, with Phase II anticipated to be completed later in 2026.

The bridge on Bureau County Road 1950 E, just west of Illinois 26, suffered extensive damage in 2023 after it was hit by an oversized truck. Since then, the bridge has remained closed and reinforced with bracing to protect it from further damage as the repair plan continues to take shape.

Once Phase II is finished, the project will move into the construction phase. The project will be put to bid to identify the contractor who will do the work. Construction is tentatively anticipated to take several months to complete.

About $1 million is identified to pay for repairs and upgrades in IDOT's most recent multiyear program, including:

• Complete replacement of the roof and roof cross bracing
• Replacement of damaged roof cross bracing rods, floor beams and siding.
• Replacement of all the existing lighting and wiring.
• Upgrading fire suppression piping and security cameras.
• Applying a fire-resistant coating on the interior of the structure, painting the exterior and making repairs and upgrades to the pump house.

Also being planned is a vehicle height detection system on 1950 E Road that would activate flashing lights to warn truck drivers before approaching the 10-foot, 11-inch-tall bridge. Additional signage on the roads approaching the bridge is proposed, as well as the replacement of all existing signs that warn drivers of the height restriction with new, high-visibility versions. Selected signs will be equipped with flashing beacons to attract additional attention.

Built in 1863 to cross Big Bureau Creek, the bridge has survived several threats, including arson, erosion and high winds. It also has endured several strikes by large trucks prior to the most recent strike.

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. It also has the distinction as the only state-owned covered bridge still open to traffic, accommodating an average of 275 vehicles a day when it was open.

In addition to vehicles, the bridge draws tourists from around the globe and serves as a picturesque backdrop for countless proms and weddings, serving as a point of pride for residents of Princeton and throughout Bureau County.