The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that both directions of U.S. 51 from the Illinois 149 intersection and U.S. 51 in DeSoto to the Illinois 14 intersection and U.S. 51 just south of Du Quoin is closed due to the formation of a sinkhole in the road.
An assessment of the damage will be performed next week to determine when U.S. 51 may reopen.
A posted detour will be in place to direct U.S. 51 northbound traffic to eastbound Illinois 149, to northbound Illinois 184 and to westbound Illinois 14. U.S. 51 northbound traffic will continue on Illinois 14 to the U.S. 51/Illinois 14 junction.
U.S. 51 southbound traffic will follow the same route as U.S. 51 northbound. U.S. 51 southbound traffic will be detoured to eastbound Illinois 14, to Illinois 184 and to the Illinois 149 intersection. U.S. 51 southbound traffic will continue on westbound Illinois 149 to the junction of U.S. 51/Illinois 149.
Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changing conditions and all detour signs prior to the work zone, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.
