BRIDGES of Bureau County Visit the historic

Bureau County is fortunate to be home to two historic and highly photographed bridges – Captain Swift Bridge and the Red Covered Bridge.

Captain Swift Bridge

When the 90-year-old steel bridge over Big Bureau Creek in Princeton Township needed replacement, the township envisioned a timber-covered bridge that would complement the picturesque rural landscape of the area. An innovative design from Willett, Hofmann & Associates, Inc. made the bridge economical by requiring the minimum amount of wood possible.

Built entirely out of wood using 1800’s concepts, Captain Swift Bridge offers two traffic lanes, a 16’-3” vertical clearance, a 28foot minimum roadway width, and bragging rights as the only two-lane, all-timber covered bridge in Illinois. The bridge was completed in 2006. Though it has the look and feel of a 19th century covered bridge, the Captain Swift Bridge was designed to 21st century safety and traffic standards through a unique meld

Where To Find The Captain Swift Bridge

The Captain Swift Bridge is located west of Princeton. To get there from North Main St. in Princeton, turn west on Backbone Road to Epperson Road and turn left. Go for one mile until you come to the fork in the road. Go right at the fork, and the bridge will be around the curve. Alternatively, you can take W. Railroad Ave. in Princeton to Epperson Road and turn left.

of modern materials, historical accuracy, and innovative design. What may appear as an old-fashioned timber bridge is truly a modern engineering marvel.

The bridge uses a burr arch in combination with an inverted kingpost truss. The burr arch was patented in 1804, and the kingpost truss was the most common truss used in the 19th century for timber-covered bridges.

Rather than using timber solids, glulam (glue-laminated wood, which is stronger than solid timber and able to be fabricated in any length) was used for the main load-carrying components. An all-wood structure raised concerns about fire protection, so spray-on fire retardants were used, and heat detectors were installed and linked to the sheriff’s department and fire station.

While the initial cost of the timber-covered bridge surpassed what would have been spent on an equitable steel structure, the wood will not deteriorate from winter salt, and the roof will protect the structure and extend its life. The Captain Swift Bridge may last 150 years or more.

Red Covered Bridge

This unique wooden structure was built in 1863 and features a plaque that says, “For three quarters of a century this bridge, defying

Where To Find The Red Covered Bridge

To find the Red Covered Bridge, travel one mile north on Main Street (Route 26) from Princeton. Cross over I-80 and turn left on 1990 East St. The bridge is one mile from the intersection.

storms and floods, has carried the traveler across Bureau Creek. It well represents the unyielding character of those who erected it.”

There is a sign on the end of the bridge that states, “Five dollars fine for driving more than twelve horses, mules or cattle at one time or for leading any beast faster than a walk on or across the bridge.”

Visitors can drive through the Red Covered Bridge, but they should take it slow since it is only one lane. For safety, they should watch for oncoming vehicles before proceeding into the bridge. If they have time to stop, there is a nice picnic area on the north side. Photographers enjoy this photogenic bridge during all seasons of the year, but please watch for no trespassing signs and respect them.

Since the bridge was once damaged by an oversized truck, please pay special attention to the posted sign that reminds drivers not to enter the bridge if they’re in an oversized truck.

When the bridge was originally built in 1863, it cost $3,148.57. The 149-foot span, which was once part of the Peoria-Galena Trail, is one of six remaining covered bridges in Illinois. It was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on April 23, 1975.