Kentucky state and local agencies are urging residents, tourists and truckers to prepare for heavy traffic before, during and after the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8.
Travelers during this time should expect congested highways, limited parking at rest stops, and should pack essentials to ensure a safe and comfortable ride, according to a press release from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
In an effort to prepare for increased traffic, transportation officials are lifting lane restrictions in select work zones and are informing commercial truck drivers of expected traffic.
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The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announced it also will issue advisories to truckers regarding eclipse traffic, and has identified locations where backups are most likely, including the Interstate 24 Ohio River Bridge at Paducah, the U.S. 41 Twin Bridges at Henderson and bridges that connect Interstates 65 and 64 at Louisville.
Work zone congestion
Crews will temporarily remove work zone lane restrictions along key routes in parts of Kentucky where heavy eclipse traffic is expected. However, some work zones will remain in place:
- The Pennyrile Parkway between Nortonville and Hopkinsville; one-lane southbound at Hopkinsville. U.S. 41 offers an alternate two-lane route, but motorists heading south should consider other routes such as Interstate 165.
- I-24 is restricted to 11-foot lanes and a 55 mph speed limit on the Tennessee River Bridge (mile marker 29). Alternate routes include U.S. 62 and KY 453 between Exit 27 and Exit 31, or via Interstate 69 South at I-24 Exit 25 to U.S. 68 East at Exit 47 to return to I-24 at Cadiz Exit 65.
- Purchase Parkway between the U.S. 45/KY 80 Mayfield Exit 21 interchange and the state line at Fulton.
- Various locations on I-65 in Bullitt and Hardin counties; I-64 and Interstate 264 near Louisville; I-64/I-75 at Lexington (lane shifts); and Interstate 275 in Northern Kentucky near Cincinnati.
State highway crews will be staged throughout Western Kentucky to detour or move traffic along in case of backups – especially after the eclipse – but traffic congestion and delays are likely.
“Whether you’re a solar eclipse spectator or a career driver passing through, taking some time now to plan will help ensure the safety of everyone during this unique event,” Kentucky Transportation Secretary Jim Gray said in the release. “We encourage spectators to come early and stay late to help reduce the potential for hours-long gridlock expected when thousands of families head home. Truckers should plan travel routes and schedules with that in mind.”
1 million travelers expected
The event is expected to bring at least 150,000 visitors to the path where it crosses several Western Kentucky counties, with more than 1 million travelers predicted to drive through Kentucky.
Based on traffic patterns seen during the 2017 total solar eclipse, initial congestion was light as visitors traveled over several days. However, heavy traffic surges occurred when visitors returned home.
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Officials suggest travelers monitor traffic information using Waze or GoKY.ky.gov. Kentuckians can visit the transporation cabinet’s eclipse page for spectator, travel and pilot tips, eclipse path maps, and links to district social media pages for eclipse-related announcements.
Spectator tips for a safe event
Transportation officials offered the following suggestions for eclipse viewers:
- Plan ahead. Pick a viewing destination and book accommodations in advance. Get eclipse viewing glasses.
- Be prepared. Travel with enough food and water for everyone in your vehicle. Expect lines at restaurants, convenience stores and grocery stores. Check the local weather.
- Drive smart. Don’t stop along highways or take photos while driving. Watch for pedestrians. Fill up or charge up your vehicle before traveling. Turn on headlights.
- Come early, stay late. Avoid leaving immediately after the event to reduce traffic congestion. Visit Kentucky attractions while in town. Several local communities in the total viewing path are organizing eclipse-related events on April 8.
The totality phase will enter Kentucky minutes before 2 p.m. April 8, in parts of Fulton and Hickman counties. In Christian County, 98% of the sun will be obscured.
Additional eclipse planning resources are available at the following sites:
