Bridge on Route 96 near Avilla to be closed for up to three months

Replacement of the bridge on White Oak Creek just east of Avilla on Route 96 will result in the closing of the highway in that area as of Monday morning.

The project could take  up to 120 days to complete.

The bridge is located near the Jasper/Lawrence County line.

The new bridge, when complete, will be a full 16 feet wider, 15 feet longer and two feet higher.

All lanes of Route 96, a prime route between Carthage and Springfield, will be closed at the bridge through the entirety of the project.

Drivers wishing to travel westbound on Route 96 will be detoured west on I-44 to northbound I-49 at Exist 18 to Route 96 at Exit 53 in Carthage.

Drivers going eastbound will be detoured south on I-49 in Carthage and east on I-44 at Exit 46.