Repairs still being evaluated for Red Covered Bridge in Princeton

Repairs are being evaluated for the Red Covered Bridge, north of Princeton, that was damaged Nov. 16 by a semitrailer truck, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The bridge is closed, and a date for its reopening has not yet been set.

The driver of a semitrailer truck tried to pass north to south through the bridge, and it caused damage to much of the 149-foot structure and the semi.

Built in 1864 as part of the Galena Trail, it was the only IDOT-owned covered bridge open to traffic.

The Bureau County asked residents to supply photos and share personal memories of the covered bridge.

“The outpouring of grief and sorrow ... at the damage to our beloved Red Covered Bridge has been remarkable,” the historical society said on its Facebook page.

The historical society received more than 20 comments with memories, along with 37 pictures. The group is continuing to compile comments and photographs. To share bridge memories, email museum@bureauhistory.org.

Bridge strikes are a safety hazard with far-reaching consequences for communities and can be avoided, IDOT said in a news release.

All truck and equipment drivers should follow posted warnings, know the height of their vehicles and loads and pay attention when approaching any overhead structure. For permits and route authorization, visit https://idot.click/itap-62ae59.

The one-lane bridge, with a posted 5-ton weight limit, previously was damaged from a semi in April 2021 and was repaired in August the same year. The structure crosses Big Bureau Creek and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The crash occurred just days after the Red Covered Bridge and Captain Swift Bridge were featured on a WQPT program featuring covered bridges.

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A view of the damage looking south at the Red Covered Bridge on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 in Princeton. Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and Bureau County law enforcement surveyed the damage bridge after it was struck by a semi-truck. (Scott Anderson)