Illinois State Police would like to remind you that there will be increased pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic on the rural roads of several southern Illinois counties Saturday due to the River to River Relay.

Many rural roads and some state highways in Union, Johnson and Pope counties will become the racetrack for the annual relay.

Relay officials told The Southern Illinoisan this year’s race will be shortened by a couple of miles due to heavy rains after last year’s relay washing out Pine Hills Road, in Union County, before the start line. The relay will end in Golconda.

If you are participating in the race, be courteous to residents who live along the relay route by not blocking their driveways or parking vehicles in their yards. When parking on the roadway, park along the right-hand side of the road only. This will allow for the roadway to remain open for emergency vehicles and local traffic who need to access homes and property along the route.  

Officers will be posted at various intersections along the race for traffic control and for the safety of participants and drivers.

If you plan on traveling through the area, please consider using alternate routes to avoid the congestion of the race. If you must travel through these areas, please remain vigilant and patient.