HANNIBAL - The Illinois Department of Transportation will close U.S. Route 54 at the Champ Clark Bridge over the Mississippi River tonight at 10 p.m. due to flooding. The department has been flagging the area and making attempts to keep the road open as long as possible. Working in conjunction with the Missouri Department of Transportation, travelers will need to seek alternate routes while the road is closed. The estimated duration of the closure is unknown. The best source of updated information is the online traveler map at www.modot.org. The traveler map is also available for iPhone and Android phones as an app.
Construction on the new Champ Clark Bridge will continue on its deck, as long as the barges are able to get from the riverfront to the bridge safely.