They all came…..today

by Steve Dunford

The intersection of South Main Street and State Route 34 in Thompsonville at 4:30 p.m. this afternoon (Kevin Smith photo)

After a weekend in which there was not much stirring here in Franklin County, I spent from about 9:30 a.m. until I ate supper around six passing on traffic reports.  The crowd that was anticipated on area roads over the weekend was in Franklin County today.

The traffic detail has been pulled at the Zeigler four way just in the last five minutes, from scanner traffic that I picked up from Franklin County Emergency Management.

North Thompsonville Road, South Thompsonville Road, Deering Road, Old Marion Road, and Freeman Spur Road also experienced major backups.

Traffic is still heavy on Interstate 57 and State Route 37 in Franklin County.  Regionally Routes 51, 127, 142, 45 and 1 has heavy traffic still.  It might be well into the night before they clear up.

Thank you all that passed information on to me throughout the day.  It makes my job so much easier in keeping the people of Franklin and surrounding counties informed.

I am calling it a day.  The two minutes of totality this afternoon was one of the most incredible sites that I have witnessed in my lifetime.  I took the last few minutes and scrolled through some incredible pictures that were shared.

Again thank you all for your assistance and being the eyes and ears for me this morning and afternoon.  I hope some of the same will choose to make Southern Illinois their viewing spot on April 8, 2024.