LAWRENCE COUNTY, IL -- Westbound US 50 in Lawrence County will be closed and traffic detoured while six bridges are rehabilitated this construction season.

Work on the four-mile project between Airport Road and one mile east of the IL 33 interchange will begin on Monday, March 11, but the detour is not expected to be put in effect until Monday, March 18. Traffic will be detoured over Old US 50 from Airport Road to the IL 33 interchange. The detour route will be signed and traffic will be controlled by temporary traffic signals.

The project includes the rehabilitation of four westbound bridges, approach pavement to the bridges, and guardrail. Two bridges east of the IL 33 interchange, for both westbound and eastbound traffic, will be stage constructed. One-half of each bridge will be done at a time and traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction.

The work is needed because of the age and deterioration of the structures. The bridges will receive new decks and new superstructures. The work is expected to be completed by November 27.

Contractor on the project is Wortman-Starwalt, Inc. of Effingham.

Motorists are advised to slow down, use caution, and allow extra time while driving through the construction zone.

###