(KFVS) - With thousands of drivers expected to travel on state roadways over the Memorial Day weekend, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced Friday that roadwork will be suspended where possible this weekend to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.

IDOT is also providing advance notice of lane closures that will be in place for the holiday weekend to aid motorists' travel plans and boost safety.

"Memorial Day weekend historically marks the unofficial start of summer, with thousands of motorists expected to hit the road this weekend," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider. "We want to ensure the safety of the motoring public and help them get to their destinations by suspending all non-emergency road work where possible to reduce potential roadway congestion, improve safety and traffic flow."

CARBONDALE, IL (KFVS) - The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale will host a public hearing next week to discuss legislative redistricting in Illinois.

The hearing is May 30, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Carbondale Civic Center, 200 S. Illinois Ave.

Ryan Blitstein, president of “CHANGE Illinois!,” will outline a proposed constitutional amendment and hear ideas and suggestions from the public about the group’s proposal to create a citizens commission to do redistricting. Under current law, state lawmakers draw their own district lines.

Recently, the group launched a drive to finalize the text of an amendment before starting a petition drive asking voters to put it on the November 2014 ballot. Blitstein is touring the state explaining the plan and collecting reactions and suggestions.

MOUNT VERNON, IL (KFVS) - Three Jefferson County residents have been arrested after an investigation into residential burglaries targeting elderly people.

Cortney Pepple, Cynthia Hamilton and Whitney Payne have been arrested and charged with possession of stolen property.

Mount Vernon police say this is an on going investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact them at 242-2131. Information leading to a conviction is eligible for a cash reward.

Copyright 2013 KFVS. All rights reserved.