The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that the southbound lanes of Interstate 55/70 in Madison County will be closed beginning on Friday.

The Interstate from the I-270/55/70 interchange near Troy to Black Lane near Collinsville will receive a new bituminous surface treatment, weather permitting. The highway is expected to be closed throughout the weekend.

A posted detour will direct traffic to westbound I-270, to southbound I-255, to westbound I-64, to access southbound I-55/70. I-270 eastbound and I-70 westbound traffic will not have access to I-55/70 southbound/westbound at the I-270/55/70 interchange. Only local traffic will have access to Illinois Route 162 and U.S. Route 40 via I-55 southbound.

The closure, which will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9, is expected to reopen by 5 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 12. Drivers are encouraged to use the posted detour throughout the weekend. The closure will increase traffic on the detour route and other alternate routes in the area. Therefore, drivers are encouraged to allow for extra time when making trips through the area.

IDOT also encourages motorists to be patient, reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the detour area.