Village worked hard to protect bridge

We and the residents of Long Grove would like to thank everyone who offered suggestions about our covered bridge and the truck mishaps. To those who offered kind words we thank you heartily. To those who offered harsh words, we, too, feel your pain and frustration.

We would like to assure all that the bridge has sustained no damage since it was reopened last August. A steel frame protects the bridge but, unfortunately, damages trucks whose drivers violate the weight and height restrictions as posted by a plethora of signs. The damage has been to the wooden timbers only and has been fully paid for by insurers.

When rebuilding the bridge abutments, we explored every conceivable way to limit damage. The board decided that the best defense would be a steel structure that absorbs the shock, thereby protecting the bridge. The timber cover conceals the steel and protects the bridge. Each time the cover is hit, only a few boards need to be replaced. The bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places and we do our best to protect it.

Steel barriers, as suggested by several readers, located on each side of the bridge bear a cost of $100,000-$200,000. A practical problem with that solution, in addition to the expense, is it would require trucks to back up because they would be beyond the point of turning prior to reaching the bridge.

Approximately 375,000 cars have traversed the bridge since we re opened it last August. The 13 strikes represent a .0035% hit rate. It's not perfect, but given the number of vehicles, we say the glass is half full.

For those who think there are weeds and lots of empty shops in Long Grove, you haven't visited our town in quite a while. We heartily invite you to drop in. We are open, we are busy and we are beautiful.

Long Grove Trustees Anne Kritzmire, Jennifer Michaud, Chuck Nora, Rita O'Connor and Bobbie O'Reilly