Railroad project will shut down part of 159 through Belleville

The Illinois Department of Transportation announces that, weather permitting, Illinois Route 159 (South Illinois Street) from East McKinley Street to East Cleveland Street in Belleville will be closed for repairs to the railroad crossing Wednesday, Dec. 11, from 8 a.m. and continuing until Friday, Dec. 13, at 4 p.m.

A marked detour will be in place to safely guide motorists around the closure.

Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered.

Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.

Updates on the impacts to traffic are available at http://stl-traffic.org.