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Mayor says Red Covered Bridge expected back to vehicle use after state repairs; timeline stretches to 2027–2028
Summary
Princeton—s mayor reported on an IDOT open house about repairs to the Red Covered Bridge, saying state officials expect restoration for passenger vehicles and that the project is state-funded with an estimated completion in 2027 or later.
Mayor Mabry told the Princeton City Council that Illinois Department of Transportation officials outlined plans to restore the Red Covered Bridge to passenger-vehicle use and are exploring ways to reduce future incidents of oversized vehicles striking the structure.
At an open house organized by state Representative Ryan Spain, IDOT representatives from the Ottawa office, led by Trish Thompson, described technical and safety options, including high-tech electronic sensors that detect vehicle height and activate warning lights. "They're trying to come up with ways to minimize this happening again," the mayor said, noting the challenge of preventing semitrailers from entering the bridge approaches.
The mayor said the project is state-funded and estimated to cost about $1 million; IDOT staff indicated the project will likely be completed in 2027, with some audience members mentioning 2028. "The good news is that we'll be put back into service for vehicular traffic," the mayor said, while warning there was additional damage discovered that lengthened the schedule.
No formal action by the council was required at the meeting; the remarks were presented as an informational update and as context for continued coordination with state legislators and IDOT staff.
