HIGHWAY 96 CLOSED AT KINDERHOOK RAIL CROSSING

PIKE COUNTY, Ill. — A portion of Illinois Highway 96 is closed in Pike County, Illinois after damage was discovered at the railroad crossing in Kinderhook.

Authorities are directing drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes while the crossing remains shut down. The closure is in effect until further notice, with no official timeline yet for when repairs may be completed.

Officials have not released details on what caused the damage. However, a nearby resident reported increased traffic from semi-trucks hauling oversized loads in recent days and believes one may have struck the crossing at a high speed.

The railroad line is operated by Norfolk Southern, but no additional information has been confirmed as of now. Local officials say updates will be provided as more details become available and as repair plans are determined.

Motorists traveling through Pike County, Illinois are urged to plan ahead and use caution when navigating detours around the affected area.