Gov. Quinn activates Illinois National Guard to assist stranded
motorists
Will coordinate with Illinois State Police
to ensure traveler safety
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[February 02, 2011]
SPRINGFIELD
-- On Tuesday, Gov. Pat Quinn activated more than 500
Illinois National Guard troops to assist stranded motorists on
several interstate highways as part of the state's ongoing efforts
to prepare for the large winter storm approaching the state. The
troops will be stationed at rest areas along interstate highways,
including Interstate 70 and those north of I-70, and will coordinate
with Illinois State Police to ensure the safety of travelers
stranded along the roads.
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"We must do everything we can to keep motorists safe during this
massive winter storm. Illinois Department of Transportation crews
are working nonstop to clear roadways, and the Illinois State
Police will also be closely monitoring our highways," the governor said.
"These troops from the Illinois National Guard will help ensure
public safety along the roadways, and I urge everyone to exercise
caution when traveling."Illinois National Guard troops
deployed for this mission are from the following units:
-
The 2/106th Cavalry Squadron based in Kewanee, with
subordinate units from Galva, Dixon and Pontiac, which are being
deployed to the northern part of the state.
-
The 766th Engineer Company based in Decatur, the 1844th
Transportation Company based in Quincy and the 3637th
Maintenance Company based in Springfield, which are being
deployed to the central part of the state.
-
The 634th Brigade Support Battalion based in Sullivan and
the 233rd Military Police Company based in Springfield, which
are being deployed to the southern part of the state.
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In addition, an Illinois National Guard headquarters element is
being drawn from the 65th Troop Command Brigade and 183rd Fighter
Wing, both from Springfield.
Troops stationed along the highways will carry supplies such as
water, snack bars and roadside safety tips to provide to stranded
motorists. Guard members will also relay information regarding road
conditions, vehicle accidents and stranded motorists to ISP officers
working in the area.
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"I'm proud that the Illinois National Guard is able to play our part
in responding to this winter storm," said Maj. Gen. William L. Enyart, the
adjutant general of the Illinois National Guard. "Our
soldiers and airmen respond to the governor's call to help in state
emergencies just as we answer the president's call to serve
overseas. It takes selfless citizens to serve in today's National
Guard, whether in Illinois or across the world."
Quinn activated the State Emergency Operations Center in Springfield Monday afternoon to coordinate the state's response
to the storm. The center will operate around the clock until the
storm threat subsides.
Illinois travelers can check on highway conditions by calling
1-800-452-IDOT (4368) or visiting the IDOT's road conditions website
at www.gettingaroundillinois.com and clicking on "Winter Road
Conditions."
For more information about winter storm safety, visit the Ready
Illinois website at
www.ready.illinois.gov. [Text
from news release from the governor's office]
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