Arkansas Department of Transportation prepares for flood of traffic during eclipse
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas Department of Transportation officials are working around the clock to make sure traffic runs smoothly during the solar eclipse.
In the last week, crews have been clearing roadways and filling potholes to make sure no one traveling in the Natural State ends up on the side of the road seeking help.
Arkansas Department of Transportation plans for 2024 solar eclipse traffic
The work done this week is just the final touches on a three-year project.
“We are expecting anywhere from as low as 300,000 to 1.5 million people,” Dave Parker with ARDOT said.
ARDOT has mapped out roadways that are expected to be the busiest the day of the eclipse and the days leading up to it.
Parker said the main roads to be concerned about are I-30 heading in from Texarkana to Little Rock and I-40 heading up to Conway and Russellville.
“We then looked at what parallel highways to use as detour routes,” he said. “Even those detour routes are going to be crowded as well.”
Parker said some could be waiting hours in traffic depending on how many people show up for the event.
“I am encouraging everyone to treat it like a snow event,” he recommended. “What would you need in your car if you got stuck in a massive backup on I-40 for five hours?”
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ARDOT is encouraging drivers to stock cars with chargers, food, water and medications and make sure plans are made for bathroom breaks.
Parker said the department is expecting traffic to build up starting Friday and go through Monday night.
“Wherever you’re going, just double that amount of time to get to and from,” he warned.
ARDOT said they will have gas trucks and crews with water and snacks in case of big backups.
If you are on the road during the event, officials ask that you don’t try and watch it while driving and don’t pull over to the shoulder to get a glimpse.
“If there is an emergency of some sort and that shoulder is needed by emergency vehicles, that’s not a good thing,” Parker said.
Parker said his team has been preparing for the event since September of 2021. Now just days out, he’s asking for your help to be patient and have fun.
“We’re going to get Arkansas as in good of shape as we possibly can, and we’re ready for the party to happen,” he said.
ARDOT: Over 1 million visitors expected for 2024 total solar eclipse
The solar eclipse will begin at 12:33 p.m. on Monday, April 8.
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