(CENTRALIA, IL) — The Illinois Department of Transportation is alerting motorists that weather permitting, U.S. 51 southbound in Centralia — also known as South Poplar Street — will be closed starting at 3 p.m. Friday, October 23, and continuing through 3 p.m. Saturday, October 24, to allow the Norfolk Southern Railway Company to rehabilitate their crossing. A marked detour will be in place to safely guide motorists around the closure. The Department asks that travelers be patient and use extra caution near and throughout the work area. If you have questions, please contact Lou Jethro at 618-346-3172.