DOT: Section of Southern Parkway to be closed overnight

Pavement repairs will close a portion of the Southern State Parkway in the Town of Islip overnight through early Saturday, the state Department of Transportation said.

The closure of the parkway's eastbound Exit 40 to the southbound Robert Moses Causeway began Monday and will continue overnight until Saturday morning, the state agency said.

The closures each day will be between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Drivers needing access to the causeway will be directed to a detour using Bay Shore Road, Exit 41, just east of Exit 40.

The closure is needed "to complete pavement repairs to help improve the safety of the hundreds of thousands of motorists who utilize this exit each week," the agency's release said.

Customers can get more information by calling 511, the New York State Travel Information line, or by visiting 511.org.