Transportation Cabinet counting down to traffic impacts of total
solar eclipse
Western
Kentucky visitors urged to come early, stay put, leave late
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 11, 2017) – Along with the rest of the nation, the Kentucky
Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has begun the countdown to the total solar
eclipse that has captured global interest: 10 days till the sun goes dark; nine
days (or fewer) till the roadways in western Kentucky begin to feel the impact
of up to 500,000 eclipse chasers anticipated to flock to the region.
Occurring
the afternoon of Monday, Aug. 21, the total solar eclipse will attract visitors
to 21 western Kentucky counties, 10 of which are along the path’s center line. With
the influx of visitors to the area, delays and slower moving traffic are possible.
What is typically a two-hour drive to the region could easily become a
four-hour trip due to traffic.
“We want
residents and visitors to be fully prepared for heavy traffic and other
potential challenges that may arise due to the mass migration of people heading
to the eclipse corridor,” said KYTC Sec. Greg Thomas. “For the best experience,
visitors need to plan ahead and have a specific place to view the eclipse. Enjoy Kentucky!”
To assist with a pleasant Commonwealth visit and to lessen the impact of anticipated traffic in the western Kentucky region, KYTC is asking motorists to come early, stay put, and leave late. The Cabinet is also
imploring motorists not to stop on roadways, rights-of-way or shoulders to view
the eclipse. Stopping on these areas can create traffic hazards. An increase in
crashes is a concern, and KYTC is urging motorists to remain alert and to
exercise patience and caution.
“While this
historic event presents transportation challenges, we welcome the opportunity
to showcase Kentucky to visitors,” said Sec. Thomas. “KYTC has dedicated months
to prepare for increased traffic along the eclipse corridor in Kentucky, and we
are ready to deploy our resources to make state roadways as safe as possible.”
Traffic
through Kentucky along Interstates 24, 69 and 65 – as well as along the Natcher
Parkway, the Pennyrile Parkway and the U.S. 68/KY 80 corridor in the western
half of the state – is expected to be especially congested before, during and
after the eclipse. Collaborating with Kentucky State Police, Kentucky Emergency
Management and various local agencies, KYTC traffic engineers have prepared to
pre-position crews and equipment strategically throughout western Kentucky
counties to respond to traffic issues.
Officials
will be monitoring traffic signals at various exits and will be prepared to
operate signals manually to improve traffic flow. Dozens of message boards stationed along
major highways in the corridor will share traffic information with motorists
and will warn drivers not to park on the roadway or shoulders. Also, a KYTC
helicopter will be deployed to monitor key interchanges and highways for
traffic congestion; traffic updates will be posted to KYTC’s social media
sites.
In addition
to advising motorists of heavy traffic, officials offer the following tips for visitors
and area residents in preparation for their once-in-a-lifetime eclipse experience:
- Bring eclipse glasses that are compliant
with the ISO 12312-2 safety standard.
- Be prepared for hot weather. Temps in
mid-to-late August can be in the 90s.
- Bring plenty of water – about a gallon a
day per person.
- Bring picnic or snack items. Restaurants
and grocery stores may experience long lines.
- Pick a viewing location with rest rooms,
which will be in high demand.
- Do not stop along highways. Vehicles on
the shoulder hinder traffic flow and create a traffic hazard.
- Be prepared for lines at fuel pumps.
Access to fuel may be limited.
- Be aware that heavy traffic congestion
may interfere with delivery of food, fuel and other supplies along the total
eclipse corridor.
- Be careful – large crowds and heavy
traffic may hinder the ability of emergency agencies to respond.
- Be prepared for cell phone and data access
issues due to heavy demand.
- Groups traveling in multiple vehicles
should consider using two-way radios in case cell service is limited.
Traffic and
travel information specific to western Kentucky can be accessed via the
following district social media sites: D1 (facebook.com/KYTCDistrict1), D2 (facebook.com/KYTCDistrict2), D3 (facebook.com/kytcdistrict3 and twitter.com/KYTCDistrict3).
For
real-time statewide traffic and travel information, visit goky.ky.gov or download the free Waze app.
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