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ITD gearing up for Great American Eclipse
July 24, 2017
Map courtesy Cache Valley Astronomical Society
It's just shy of one month away from the biggest astrological event in the Gem State since 1979. Dubbed The Great American Eclipse, it could also be the biggest tourist attraction and traffic generator in Idaho history.

Along with many other local and state agencies, the Idaho Transportation Department is preparing for the total solar eclipse that will be visible across the southern portion of the state August 21.

ITD is organizing a statewide plan to be responsive when necessary, ready to assist law enforcement, and reduce impacts to travelers in the days surrounding the eclipse.

"We know this will be a big draw for tourism in Idaho and most of these people are going to use our roads to get there and see it. We want visitors to have an enjoyable time in Idaho," said ITD Chief Engineer Kimbol Allen. "We want to make sure that we do everything we can to have the roads open and ready to allow traffic to get in and back out after the event."

Among the various preparations taking place along the interstates and state highways will be to limit construction and maintenance activities for the weekend and day of the eclipse. The goal is to open all possible lanes to traffic and maintain all regular traffic patterns.

Given the expected traffic increase, ITD will have response teams ready to help with crashes, stranded motorists and to provide flagging.

"We want to have our resources out, informing people about what’s happening, what they can expect, what they can do about it and where they can be, safely, to enjoy the eclipse," Allen added.

ITD will be sharing tips with travelers with information on its website, http://itd.idaho.gov, roadside message boards and through the media addressing roadway safety, event preparedness, and travel plans.

The messages include:
  • Be patient. Be responsible. Expect delays.
  • Know your route and destination. Give yourself plenty of time for travel and plan a secondary route if possible.
  • Expect congestion on any route within the area of eclipse totality as well as all major routes and highways leading to these areas. Consider carpooling.
  • No parking on roadways or in highway turnouts during the eclipse.
  • Prepare in advance with adequate food, gas and water for more than a day – local resources may be expended and not immediately available.
  • Don't litter. Prevent roadside fires. Keep Idaho clean and natural.

"We want people to know that we are doing what we can to ensure they have a memorable experience," Allen said.

For more information, the Idaho Department of Commerce, http://commerce.idaho.gov/eclipse, is hosting a statewide website with links to local planning resources, preparation information, and general eclipse materials.
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