7/21/2017
Planning to travel for the eclipse? Plan ahead to be safe on the road
BOISE -- It's only one month away from the biggest astrological event in the Gem State since 1979. The Great American Eclipse 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 Aug. 21. ITD is organizing a statewide plan to be responsive, ready to assist law enforcement, and reduce impacts to travelers.
"We know this will be a big draw for tourism, and most 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."
The various preparations taking place along the interstates and state highways will limit construction and maintenance activities 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. ITD's 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.
- Expect congestion on any route within the area of eclipse totality. Consider carpooling.
- No parking on roadways or in highway turnouts during the eclipse.
- Prepare with adequate food, gas and water for more than a day -- local resources may be expended.
- Don't litter. Prevent roadside fires. Keep Idaho clean and natural.
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.
Note to media:
For information about how ITD is planning for the eclipse in each geographical
region, please contact one of ITD's regional communication specialists:
Western Idaho (Treasure Valley/West-Central
Mountains)
Jennifer Gonzalez -- 208-334-8938 or jennifer.gonzalez@itd.idaho.gov
South-central Idaho (Magic
Valley/Stanley area)
Nathan Jerke -- 208-886-7809 or nathan.jerke@itd.idaho.gov
Eastern Idaho (Idaho Falls/Pocatello)
Bruce King -- 208-745-5611 or bruce.king@itd.idaho.gov