Parts of North America will be plunged into darkness for a brief period Monday due to the solar eclipse, the latest to hit the 48 mark in two decades, and states are bracing for an influx of tourists to this 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 states along the way have offered travel advice, as many visitors hoping to get a glimpse of the phenomenon pack up and hit the road.
The eclipse will begin in Texas and the Texas Department of Transportation told to drivers Heavy traffic and “sudden driver stops” should be expected. Although eclipse glasses are required to view the phenomenon outdoors, the department said people should not 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 residents and out-of-town visitors.
In a press conferenceArkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) said the department was preparing its roads for additional traffic and that law enforcement would be prepared to deal with traffic jams and emergencies.
ARDOT said it has scheduled a construction holiday, meaning there will be no lane closures or active work zones over the weekend until after the eclipse. The department said it is also working with the trucking association to limit the number of tractor-trailers on the busiest roads at this time.
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) said the eclipse is expected to be visible for approximately 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 dark areas to turn on their headlights while driving. He said, “It will be dark even if it is day.” »
The Missouri Department of Transportation has developed a Traveler information card this 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 accommodation arrangements as early as possible. »
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb (R) signed a decree in preparation for the eclipse in preparation for “the large influx of several hundred thousand visitors”.
Holcomb declared a statewide disaster emergency “to ensure preparedness for the total solar eclipse.” The state said it is part of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, meaning the governor can call on resources if needed.
The state showed areas for better viewing and asked travelers to plan their trip in advance.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (R) also issued a decree in preparation for. His order says the state “has coordinated with state, local and private partners to prepare for increased demand for gasoline, food, shelter, traffic and cell phone service.”
The state has increased its manpower for traffic control measures and incident management on major highways.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) published a leaflet with safety tips “before, during and after the eclipse”. He asked drivers to refrain from stopping or parking along main roads to view the highway and not to litter along roads or properties.
PennDOT said drivers should put down their phones, “avoid distractions and never take photos or videos while driving.”
New Hampshire issued a travel advisory for the eclipse, warning that many roads were not designed to handle large volumes of traffic and that spring weather can “bring frost heaves and very soft shoulders.”
“Please obey all officers assisting in traffic control as well as traffic control signs and devices. Prepare for a slow journey south after Monday evening's eclipse,” the department said.
And Maine Governor Janet Mills (D) issued a statement Monday promoting Maine as a “premier eclipse destination.” Nearly half the state will experience the total eclipse for up to 3 1/2 minutes, one of the longest totality viewing times in the country, the release said.
Mills recommends travelers have a full tank of gas, pack plenty of snacks and water and stick to paved roads. The state also recommended travelers carry a paper map because cell towers can be overloaded and some areas of Maine have spotty service.
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