RANDOLPH COUNTY, Ill. (KFVS) - A historic southern Illinois landmark is set to reopen to the public.

The Little Mary’s River Covered Bridge in Randolph County will reopen on Monday, September 22.

Severe weather damage on July 1, 2023 , forced the 171-year-old bridge to close to visitors.

A large portion of the roof was blown away in the storm and there was damage to the fire suppression system and video monitoring equipment.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation , crews have restored and preserved the bridge while adding modern safety upgrades and storm protection.

IDOT says the project cost $312,000 and took nearly a year to complete.

Restoration specialists and state engineers worked together to preserve the bridge’s 19th-century character, using hand-hewn timbe

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