States in eclipse path offer travel tips

Parts of North America will go dark for a brief period Monday due to the solar eclipse, the last one to hit the lower 48 for two decades, and states are preparing for an influx of tourists for the rare event.

The path of the eclipse will cast the moon’s shadow over communities from the Southwest to the Northeast. It will pass through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

Several of the states in the path have offered up travel tips as many visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the phenomenon are packing their bags and hitting the road.

The eclipse will start in Texas, and the Texas Department of Transportation told drivers to expect heavy traffic and “sudden stops by drivers.” While eclipse glasses are necessary to view the phenomenon outside, the department said people shouldn’t wear them while driving.

According to the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT), the state plans to be “well-equipped to make the experience enjoyable and safe” for the residents and out-of-town visitors.

In a press conference, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) said the department is preparing its roads for extra traffic, and law enforcement will be on standby for road congestion and emergencies.

ARDOT said it has scheduled a construction holiday, meaning no lane closures or active work zones over the weekend until after the eclipse. The department said it’s also working with the trucking association to limit the number of semitrucks on the most popular roads at that time.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) said the eclipse is set to be visible over about 128 miles of the state, and staff will be available to assist viewers.

IDOT Secretary Omer Osman offered safe driving tips, including reminding drivers in the dark areas to turn their headlights on while driving. He said, “It will be dark even though it is daytime.”

The Missouri Department of Transportation put together a Traveler Information Map that will allow people traveling for the eclipse to check traffic conditions. The department said it expects large out-of-state crowds and advised travelers to “know where you want to be and make your accommodations as early as possible.”

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) signed an executive order in preparation of the eclipse in preparation of the “significant influx of several hundred thousand visitors.”

Holcomb declared a statewide disaster emergency “to ensure preparedness of the total solar eclipse.” The state said it is part of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which means the governor can call for resources if needed.

The state showed areas for the best viewing and told travelers to plan ahead of their trip.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) also issued an executive order in preparation. His order said the state has been “coordinating with state, local, and private partners to prepare for increased demands on gas, food, shelter, traffic, and cell phone service.”

The state has increased staff for traffic control measures and incident management on major highways.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) issued a flyer with safety tips for “prior to, during, and following the eclipse.” It has asked drivers to refrain from stopping or parking along major roadways to view the highway and to not litter along roadways or property.

PennDOT said drivers should put down their phones, “avoid all distractions and never take photos or videos while driving.”

New Hampshire issued a travel advisory for the eclipse, warning that many of the roads were not designed to handle large volumes of traffic and the spring weather can “bring frost heaves and very soft shoulders.”

“Please obey all officers assisting with traffic control as well as signs and traffic control devices. Be prepared for slow travel heading south after the eclipse on Monday evening,” the department said.

And Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) released a statement Monday promoting Maine as a “premier eclipse destination.” Nearly half of the state will experience the total eclipse for up to 3 1/2 minutes, one of the longest totality observation times in the country, the release said.

Mills recommended travelers have a full tank of gas, pack plenty of snacks and water, and stick to paved roads. The state also recommended travelers pack a paper map, as cell towers may become overloaded and some areas of Maine have spotty service.