Plans to restore the Red Covered Bridge in Princeton, Illinois, are advancing after extensive damage from an oversized truck led to its closure two years ago. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) finalized the scope of necessary repairs for the 162-year-old bridge, receiving approval from the State Historic Preservation Office in December.
The planned restoration includes replacing the roof, roof cross bracing, damaged cross bracing rods, floor beams, and siding. Additional measures to preserve the historic structure involve upgrading lighting and wiring, installing fire suppression piping and security cameras, applying a fire-resistant coating inside the bridge, painting the exterior, and repairing or upgrading the pump house.
At an October coordination meeting with officials from IDOT’s central office and the Federal Highway Administration, no significant objections were raised regarding these plans.
To prevent future incidents like oversized trucks striking the bridge—a recurring problem—IDOT is considering installing a vehicle height detection system that would trigger flashing lights to warn drivers approaching the 10-foot, 11-inch-tall bridge. New high-visibility signage is also proposed for roads leading to the bridge; some signs will include flashing beacons for added attention.
The Red Covered Bridge carries Bureau County Road 1950 E over Big Bureau Creek just west of Illinois 26 and one mile north of Princeton. Built in 1863, it has survived arson attempts, erosion threats, high winds, and several prior collisions with large vehicles before its most recent accident in late 2023. Since then, IDOT’s District 3 has reinforced it with bracing while developing a comprehensive repair plan.
Currently, District 3 is concluding Phase I engineering work to define project details and estimate costs. Phase II—covering detailed construction plans and contract bidding—is set to begin soon and is expected to take less than a year. IDOT’s latest multiyear program earmarks about $1 million for these repairs and upgrades.
The Red Covered Bridge holds historical significance as one of many covered bridges owned by Illinois but stands out as “the only state-owned covered bridge still open to traffic,” according to officials. It supports an average of 275 vehicles daily while attracting tourists worldwide as a popular site for events like proms and weddings.
Local investment in restoring the landmark remains strong. After discussions with local leaders and state Rep. Ryan Spain—whose district includes Princeton—IDOT committed to providing quarterly updates on progress rather than hosting public meetings. This approach aims “to ensure a steady flow of information on the project and avoid adding months to the construction schedule.”
