RED BUD – Illinois State Representative David Friess has announced repairs have been approved for the storm-damaged Mary’s River Covered Bridge in Randolph County.
Mary’s Bridge as it appeared after the storm.
“I want to pass on some good news,” Friess said in the announcement. “I received a message from DNR that the Historic Preservation Division approved IDOT’s plans to repair the covered bridge.
Now, with that being said, please be patient. This is not IDOT’s only project. If all goes well, I hope we see repairs being made next spring or summer.”
The bridge off Route 150 northeast of Chester was heavily damaged by the strong winds that moved through the area last July.
Mary’s Bridge before the storm.
Built in 1854, the bridge has a 90-foot span and is 86 feet long. It was constructed as part of a toll road between Bremen and Chester. It is the only bridge of its kind left in southern Illinois and was in continuous service from 1854 to 1930.