(Indianapolis,
IN) -- Indiana will play a pivotal role in
hosting eclipse enthusiasts as they flock to the Hoosier State to
catch a glimpse of the first total solar eclipse in seven years on
Monday, April 8. The eclipse will be visible over a large portion of
the state, with the path of totality spanning
from Evansville to the outskirts of Fort Wayne, entering southwest
Indiana at 3:01 p.m. EDT/2:01 p.m. CDT and exiting to the northeast
at 3:12 p.m. EDT/2:12 p.m. CDT. Other parts of the state will
experience a partial eclipse of at least 90 percent totality from
approximately 1:30 p.m. EDT/12:30 p.m. CDT to 4:30 EDT/3:30 CDT.
Nearly 4 million Hoosiers live within the
path of totality, with hundreds of thousands of people expected to
visit Indiana for the event. Increased traffic and congestion are
also expected as residents and tourists alike make their way to
viewing destinations. Areas near the eclipse centerline are
anticipated to see the greatest influx of visitors, including
Vincennes, Bloomington, Franklin and just north of Richmond.
Indianapolis and Evansville are also included in the path.
To ensure a smooth trip, the Indiana
Department of Transportation (INDOT) and the Indiana State Police
(ISP) urges drivers to plan ahead and
prepare for potential travel impacts before, during and after the
eclipse.
Before the eclipse
· Research your viewing site, considering
accessibility, parking and crowd size. Check
INDOT TrafficWise on the mobile app or
at 511in.org to
plan your route and monitor traffic conditions. Plan to arrive to
your destination early.
· Anticipate increased traffic and congestion,
especially in areas in or near the path of totality.
· Reach your destination safely -- buckle up
and put your phone down while driving.
· Pack plenty of snacks and water, as well as
charging cables for electronics and mobile devices, in the event you
or your group become stranded.
· Make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas
and top off fluids before you head out in case you’re
stuck in traffic for a long period of time. Use this eclipse-ready checklist for
more road trip essentials.
· Don’t forget your solar eclipse viewing glasses! You will need
specially designed glasses to avoid damage to your eyes.
During the eclipse
· Avoid travel during the eclipse or in the
main path if possible.
· Exit the roadway to stop and view the solar
eclipse. Do not stop along highways or park on the shoulder for
viewing.
· Do not take photos or videos while driving.
Indiana is a hands-free state.
Holding mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets while driving
is prohibited by state law.
· Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving.
· Turn on your headlights. Do not rely on
automatic lights.
· Watch for pedestrians, especially along
secondary roads.
After the eclipse
· Plan your post-event transportation method
well in advance. If celebrating, ensure everyone has a safe and sober
way to return home. Designate a sober driver or arrange for alternate
transportation.
· Exercise patience when leaving your viewing
location as traffic may be heavy. Follow instructions from law
enforcement or emergency personnel and be considerate of fellow
drivers. Stay put and stick around to avoid the post-event rush.
· Clean up after yourself and dispose of trash
in designated receptacles or take it with you.
· Once again, check INDOT TrafficWise
on the mobile app or at 511in.org to
plan your route and monitor traffic conditions.
INDOT will limit road closures and
restrictions where possible on state routes to help with traffic flow
surrounding the eclipse. Oversize and overweight permits will also be
temporarily suspended during this time. View
current construction and maintenance activities on INDOT TrafficWise or the free mobile app.
Visit the sites below and follow INDOT and
ISP on social media for more information regarding the total solar
eclipse in Indiana.
· eclipse2024.in.gov
· visitindiana.com/eclipse2024
· greatamericaneclipse.com/indiana-2024-eclipse
· science.nasa.gov
Stay Informed
Get updates on INDOT projects and programs via:
· Facebook: facebook.com/indianadepartmentoftransportation
· Twitter: @INDOT
· TrafficWise: 511in.org
Mobile App: iTunes App Store and
the Google Play store for
Android
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