SALEM — The Illinois Department of Transportation is advising motorists to avoid westbound U.S. 50 tonight and tomorrow morning at Interstate 57 in Salem.

According to IDOT, weather permitting all westbound lanes will be closed on U.S. 50 as crews will be working from 9 o’clock Thursday night until six o’clock Friday morning. Workers will be replacing a damaged beam on the structure carrying the northbound interstate over U.S. 50. All entrance and exit ramps will remain open during construction.

A marked detour will be in place utilizing I-57 northbound to Kinoka Road (Exit 127), then back to Salem on southbound I-57.

Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. To avoid the work area, if feasible, the use of alternate routes should be considered.

Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changing conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices, and be alert for workers and equipment.