IDOT District 3 Bridge Maintenance Engineer Louis Calderon says they are trying to address immediate needs to shore up the Old Red Covered bridge in Bureau County that was struck by a semi back on November 16th. The damage done was mostly to the roof of the bridge but that of course, also means structural damage has taken place. The bridge itself will remain closed until further notice.
Calderon says they understand the importance of the bridge to the community and when full reconstruction happens, every effort will be made to preserve as much of the historic nature as possible with current resources. Repair work will be coordinated with the Illinois Historical Society.
Repairs are extensive so no date has yet been set for permanent work to begin, but likely that will be in 2024.
Built of mostly oak in 1863, the bridge is inspected by IDOT every two years and was last fully rehabilitated in 1973. The bridge is one and a half miles north of Princeton on Route 26.