The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that weather permitting, Interstate 57 at the Buckley interchange (exit 272) in Iroquois County will be closed for four consecutive nights starting tonight. The closure is necessary to demolishthe north half of the Iroquois County Highway 9 bridge over I-57.

The closures will begin at 9 p.m. each night and end at 5 a.m. the following morning. Traffic will be detoured off and onto I-57 using the exit and entrance ramps at CH 9. CH 9 will be open to one lane in each direction on the south half of the bridge and traffic at the intersections will be controlled by flaggers.

The work is part of a $4.1 million project to replace the deck of the CH 9 bridge over I-57. Other work includes milling and resurfacing the bridge approaches and lighting replacement. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area and be prepared for slow and stopped traffic. 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.