Erie, PA (WJET/WFXP)-- With the total solar eclipse just over three weeks away, PA Governor Josh Shapiro's administration is reminding travelers to plan ahead and remember some important tips for the big day and have a new service to help residents navigate the traffic
Officials from PennDOT, PEMA, state police, and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission said in addition to increased travel times with approximately 200,000 people expected to visit the City of Erie alone on April 8, the eclipse also creates more travel challenges.
Residents will be able to get up-to-the-minute updates from PennDOT with a new eclipse-specific extension of 511 PA with suggested routes for travelers making their way to the area.
The PTC will be keeping all lanes of traffic open heading to and from Erie on I-79 via the Cranberry Interchange (Exit 28) and adding additional maintenance personnel in the event of an emergency.
PSP will be on hand to remove any disabled vehicles from interstates with troopers at each exit to keep traffic flowing. People gathering at rest areas to watch the eclipse will also be asked to move along and watch elsewhere.
"Our primary concern is public safety," said Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. "Troopers will have an increased presence in the area and zero tolerance for distracted, aggressive, and intoxicated drivers. This eclipse should be a once-in-a-lifetime event with fond memories, not an experience marred by tragedy."
The eclipse path is expected to start to impact the NWPA around 2 p.m. with the moon totally eclipsing the sun from 3:16 to 3:20 p.m. with the moon covering 90-99% of the sun for the rest of the Commonwealth.
"We are coordinating across agencies as well as with local governments and regional organizations to plan for the likelihood of traffic congestion that day with an emphasis on safety for our residents and eclipse tourists," said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll.
Officials are also recommending the following safety tips for Eclipse Day:
- Plan ahead for longer than usual travel times to and from destinations.
- Exit the highway to view the eclipse.
- Turn on your headlights.
- Be alert for vehicles on the shoulder and increased pedestrian traffic.
- Put down the phone and never take pictures or videos while driving.
- Take off eclipse glasses while driving.
- Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful and don't litter.
"Visitors are welcome in all of Pennsylvania's state parks and forests to view the eclipse, or the view from your local park or even your backyard will be excellent," DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. "Crowds are expected at state parks, especially in the northwest, so visitors should plan around sharing viewing spaces and anticipate traffic."
Presque Isle and Erie Bluffs State Parks in Erie County along with Pymatuning and Maurice K. Goddard State Parks in Crawford County will be in the path of totality.
For a full list of places to watch the eclipse along with more eclipse coverage click here.