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Illinois Department of Transportation

Construction planned for the Red Covered Bridge in October

IDOT Update - 2026 – Tuesday, October 6, 2026

As Big Bureau Creek flows under Princeton’s Red Covered Bridge, traffic will soon flow across it after work is planned to begin this fall to repair the structure. Weather permitting, repairs are planned to begin by the end of October.

IDOT’s District 3, which is managing the project, has been preparing for this milestone after the bridge, located on Bureau County Road 1950 E north of Princeton, suffered extensive damage after it was hit by a truck in 2023. After closing the bridge and assessing the damage, the district has guided the project through preliminary engineering and design and plan preparation.

That preparation led to the project to be placed on the July 31 letting. Freeport-based Helm Construction won the project with a $1.25 million bid. A preconstruction meeting on Sept. 21 reviewed the project and paid a site visit to the historical structure to nail down the details of the project to come.

The current construction timeframe allows Helm to procure the materials needed for the project, especially the wood — which will come from nearby Dixon. The project will be done in two phases. This season’s work will include:

  • Replacement of the roof and roof cross bracing
  • Replacement of damaged roof cross bracing rods, floor beams and siding.
  • Replacing 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.

This work will allow the bridge to be open to local traffic. However, the bridge will briefly close again in 2027 to finish the project, which will include.

  • Applying a fire-resistant coating on the interior of the structure and painting the exterior.
  • Making repairs and upgrades to the pump house.
  • Replacement of all the existing lighting and wiring.
  • Upgrading fire suppression piping and security cameras.
  • Installation of a vehicle height detection system in advance of the bridge. This system would activate flashing lights to warn truck drivers before approaching the 10-foot, 11-inch-tall bridge. Although Dover Township manages the road, IDOT will maintain the bridge warning signs and the over-height vehicle detection system.

All work is anticipated to be completed by June 2027.

Built in 1863, the Red Covered 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. The distinction means any renovations are repairs are subject to strict preservation standards and additional review processes that add significantly extend the project’s timeline.

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.