Mass exodus from Southern Illinois happening now

by Steve Dunford

Here is a statement issued by the Illinois State Police at 210 p.m.

TRAFFIC UPDATE – 08/21/17 at 2:10 P.M.
Northbound routes out of the area are starting to see heavy traffic. These include the I57 / I24 interchange and routes around the Goreville area, Illinois Route 3 near Chester is even seeing heavy traffic. Illinois Route 13 east bound from Carbondale to Marion has extremely heavy traffic. The attached pic is from Rt. 13 near John A. Logan College in Carterville.
Motorists are encouraged to completely focus on the task of driving, have patience, and if available seek alternate routes. Stay and enjoy the area for a while! Let traffic die down and then head home.

Locally in Franklin County Route 37 is getting heavy all the way into Benton.  Route 149 between Zeigler and Royalton is at a standstill, and some of the traffic is pouring onto State Route 148.

Please let the traffic clear until you navigate further.  It is safe to say that all state highways on the west side of the county will be clogged for awhile.  I will pass on any further updates as they warrant.