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.
Scope of Work
The work includes complete replacement of the roof, roof cross bracing, damaged roof cross bracing rods, floor beams and siding. In addition to the structural repairs, IDOT is planning several items to help preserve the historic structure for future generations, including replacing all the existing lighting and wiring, and adding fire suppression piping and security cameras. Other improvements: Applying a fire-resistant coating on the interior of the structure, painting the exterior and making repairs and upgrades to the pump house.
The project and scope were presented at an October coordination meeting to officials from IDOT’s central office and the Federal Highway Administration during which no significant objections were raised.
Height detection system under consideration
Also being considered is a vehicle height detection system at the approaches 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 Red Covered 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.
All these improvements are hoped to deter future damage to the bridge on Bureau County Road 1950 E just west of Illinois 26, 1 mile north of Princeton.
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 in late 2023.
Since the crash, IDOT’s District 3, where the bridge resides, has worked behind the scenes on a repair plan. While the bridge remains closed, the structure has been reinforced with bracing to protect it from further damage.
As engineering staff continue to put their pencils to paper, the next steps are becoming clearer.
Currently, District 3 is wrapping up the first phase of engineering, which will define the scope of work and provide a preliminary cost estimate. Phase II, which includes the preparation of detailed construction plans, specifications and a cost estimate, resulting in advertising a repair contract to bidders, will begin soon and is anticipated to take less than a year to complete. About $1 million is identified to pay for repairs and upgrades in IDOT’s most recent multiyear program.
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