Traveling to totality: how rest areas prepared for influx of drivers

PESOTUM, Ill. (WCIA) — Roads were packed across the state as people tried to get the best view of the eclipse.

On I-57 Monday afternoon, some drivers said they’ve been planning their trip to totality for a while. But for others, it was more of a last-minute decision.

At the Pesotum rest area, Kellsie Rankins, one of the attendants, said bathroom lines were out the door at one point. But, they learned to be more prepared and make changes after they experienced something similar during the 2017 eclipse.

“We stocked up on our supplies, made sure we had everything ready to go the week before,” she described.

Many drivers WCIA talked with were traveling south from the Chicagoland area.

“It was a last minute, let’s do this. My birthday is tomorrow and I turn 72. I wanted to see this in my lifetime,” Linda McNichols said.

The travel isn’t done yet. The rest stop is expecting lots of traffic in and out tomorrow as well while people make their drives back home.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.