Dwight, area towns prepare for Big Boy

The famous Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, will journey through the area Friday and Saturday.

This historic coast-to-coast tour celebrates America’s 250^th anniversary with more than 50 whistle stops in 10 states. Whistle stops generally last 15 to 30 minutes.

Big Boy departs South Holland, Illinois at 9 a.m. Friday then is scheduled to arrive in Dwight at 1:15 p.m. and departing at 1:45 at South Washington Street and Odell Road. It will travel through Pontiac but is not expected to stop. People can still catch it going by as it is expected to slow down through town.

Saturday, the steam locomotive departs Bloomington at 8:15 a.m. then arrives at the Springfield Amtrak depot on Washington Street at 10:45 a.m., departing at 11:15. From there, it heads to Girard and St. Louis.

The Village of Dwight has issued a travel advisory for Friday’s locomotive stop. Based on previous whistle stops, communities have welcomed anywhere from 4,000 to more than 20,000 visitors. As a result, Dwight is preparing for significant traffic congestion in the area. Road closures starting at 8 a.m. include the 100 block of West James Street, 100 block of West South Street, Columbia Street from West James Street to West South Street and the 400 block of South Washington Street.

Additional temporary road closures and traffic control measures may be implemented throughout the day as conditions warrant. Heaviest traffic is expected between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., according to the village. Public parking is expected to fill early, so be prepared to park further away and walk to the event.