MARION COUNTY — Motorists are reminded that starting today, Route 161 will be closed to all traffic at the Crooked Creek Bridge just west of Centralia.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, a higher and longer bridge is being constructed over the creek. The $12 million project is expected to be completed by December 1, 2019.

Signs warning of the road closure and noting detour routes were put in place a few weeks ago, with traffic being directed mainly to state highways during the construction.