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How IDOT is preparing

The Illinois Department of Transportation has been coordinating with other agencies on the state and local levels throughout the spring and summer to make sure the eclipse weekend and viewing events run as smoothly as possible.

IDOT staff will be ready and available if they are needed to assist with traffic detours, communicating travel information and more.

Expect congestion

It is estimated that 100,000 to 200,000 people will visit the prime viewing areas in southern Illinois during the event, with the Interstate 57 (Interstate 24 to Interstate 64), Illinois 13 and U.S. 51 corridors anticipated to be the most heavily traveled.

To minimize impacts to the traveling public, IDOT will eliminate a majority of its construction lane closures in these areas from 5 a.m. Friday, Aug. 18, to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug.22. If construction work zones or lane closures are encountered, motorists are advised to proceed with extreme caution.

IDOT ‘Rules of the Road’

Although the sun might go missing for a little while, the Illinois Department of Transportation promises to stay active leading up to the solar eclipse to make sure traffic keeps moving and the traveling public remains safe.

Carbondale is in the path of the total eclipse, making it one of the prime viewing areas in the country for the Aug. 21 event. Here in Kane County — and in the rest of the state — viewers will experience a partial eclipse of about 90 percent.

“The Illinois Department of Transportation is proud to be one of several state agencies teaming up to make sure that Illinois is prepared to host this historic occasion,” Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn said. “We also need the public to do its part. By following a few basic guidelines, the eclipse can be safe and exciting for everyone.”

Up to 200,000 people are expected to visit southern Illinois to view the eclipse and take part in local festivities in the days leading up to it.

Unlike some states, Illinois is placing no special restrictions on truck activities due to the eclipse.  To help with traffic flow, lane closures on major IDOT projects in the southern part of the state will be temporarily lifted during the weekend before the eclipse and the following day. Throughout the state, digital message boards will be used to communicate traffic and safety messages.

The department also is coordinating with Illinois State Police and local law enforcement to ensure that traffic control points are appropriately staffed.

If you are traveling during the eclipse, here are some commonsense tips:

• Plan ahead: Do not expect to park and view the eclipse from the side of the road.
• Anticipate increased pedestrian and bike traffic near popular viewing areas.
• Do not wear special viewing glasses or take photos of the eclipse while driving.
• On the day of the eclipse, drive with your headlights on.
• Use the Getting Around Illinois website to get the latest on traffic conditions.

To help answer questions about the eclipse, IDOT has created a special page on its website.

SOURCE: IDOT news release

SOLAR ECLIPSE RESOURCES

Silhouette of four people watching a solar eclipse in the nature

Illinois Department of Public Health