PORTLAND — The southbound off-ramp of Exit 48 on the Maine Turnpike will close Wednesday night at 6 p.m.

Dan Morin, the spokesman for the Maine Turnpike Authority, said the closure will ensure motorist and worker safety while the ramp is repaired. The ramp was damaged by heavy rainfall during last weekend’s storm.

Morin said the repair work will last until 5 a.m. Thursday. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes during construction.

The ramp provides motorists access to Riverside Street and Larrabee Road.