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ITD gearing up for Great American Eclipse |
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July 24, 2017 |
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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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