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Repairs on Red Covered Bridge north of Princeton begin soon · Illinois Valley - Shaw Local

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  Repairs on Red Covered Bridge north of Princeton begin soon. Written by
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  Matthias Warner. This article is being Red by an automated voice, brought
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  to you by Everlet. The Illinois Department of Transportation announced in a
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  news release that a project is underway to repair The red covered
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  bridge north of Princeton in Burrow County. The structure has been closed
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  since 2023, when it suffered extensive damage after being hit by a
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  truck. The 1.25 million repair project will be done in two phases
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  according to the release. This season's work in phase one will allow
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  the bridge to be open to local traffic and will include replacement
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  of the roof, roof cross bracing, damaged roof cross bracing rods, floor
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  beams, siding and existing signs that warn drivers of the height restriction
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  with new high visibility versions according to the release. The bridge will
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  briefly close again in 2027 to finish the project in phase two
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  According
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  to the release, Phase 2 will include applying a fire-resistant coating on
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  the interior of the structure and painting the exterior, making repairs and
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  upgrades to the pump house, replacing all the existing lighting and wiring,
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  upgrading fire suppression piping and security cameras, and installing a vehicle height
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  detection system in advance of the bridge. According to the release. This
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  system would activate flashing lights to warn truck drivers before approaching the
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  10 foot 11 inch tall bridge. All work is anticipated to be
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  completed by June 2027, according to the release. Built in 1863,
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  the Red Covered Bridge has survived several threats including arson, erosion, and
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  high winds. It has also endured several strikes by large trucks before
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  the most recent strike, according to the release. The bridge also has
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  the distinction of being the only state-owned covered bridge still open to
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  traffic, accommodating an average of 275 vehicles daily when it was open.
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  Like many other covered bridges owned by the state, the red covered
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  bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and protected
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  under Section 1066 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, according
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  to the release. The distinction means any renovations or repairs are subject
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  to strict preservation standards and additional review processes. Motorists can expect
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  delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area and
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  be prepared for slow and stop traffic, according to the release, to
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  avoid the work area when feasible use of alternate routes should be
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  considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and
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  signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from
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  using mobile devices, and be alert for workers and equipment. Over the
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  next six years, the Illinois Department of Transportation is planning to improve
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  7,107 lane miles of highway and 8.4 million square feet of
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  bridge deck as part of Rebuild Illinois, according to the release, which
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  is investing 33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. For District
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  3 updates on X, formerly Twitter, follow at iDot District 3. View
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  area construction details on Idote's Traveler Information Map at www.gettingaroundillanois.com.