Chicago, IL – With the total solar eclipse looming just 30 days away, Illinois is gearing up for an astronomical event expected to draw massive crowds.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, up to 200,000 people may converge along Interstate 57 to witness the celestial phenomenon on April 8.
In preparation, IDOT has issued travel advisories and safety tips for those planning to travel through the state during the eclipse. IDOT emphasizes the importance of not wearing eclipse glasses while driving, refraining from parking along highways, and staying vigilant for pedestrians. The eclipse’s path of totality will cast its shadow across a 128-mile swath of Illinois, entering near Carbondale at 1:58 p.m. and exiting at Mount Carmel by 2:06 p.m.
With significant traffic congestion expected, state officials urge visitors to plan accordingly and stay informed on road conditions throughout the eclipse weekend.
