Village Hall still has a limited quantity of solar eclipse sunglasses.  Stop by during business hours!

The Illinois Department of Transportation posted valuable tips to include into your Solar Eclipse 2024 viewing.

• The 2024 solar eclipse will be visible over approximately 128 miles of Illinois on April 8. 
• Totality enters Illinois as it crosses the Missouri state line southwest in Carbondale at 1:58 p.m.
• The eclipse will follow a diagonal line crossing over Fairfield and exit Illinois at Mount Carmel at 2:06 p.m.
• A solar eclipse occurs when the moon travels between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on the Earth’s surface.

Expect Congestion

• Crowds of 100,000 to 200,000 are expected to come to the prime viewing area in southern Illinois.
• Interstate 57 is the direct interstate access to the path of totality. U.S. 45 runs through the middle of the path of totality. Illinois 1 and Interstates 64 and 70 will provide access to the area. 
• All roads in and out of the area are expected to have heavy congestion in the couple hours after the eclipse. 
• Any lane closures on state projects will be lifted throughout the weekend and the day after the eclipse.

Travel Tips

• If driving during the eclipse, ensure car headlights are on.
• Don’t ever take photos, videos, or wear “eclipse glasses” while driving. 
• Don’t park along the shoulder of the road, highway, or interstate to watch the eclipse.
• Always exit the roadway and park in a safe area away from traffic before viewing the eclipse.
• Check travel conditions at Getting Around Illinois
• Many communities in the path of totality are having festivals and concerts over the weekend leading up to April 8. See more information at the 2024 Solar Eclipse Guide for Illinois

Stop by Village Hall to pick up your solar eclipse sunglasses while supplies last!