What is the worst-case scenario when it comes to the April 8th solar eclipse for motor carriers? The answer is traffic.
In 2017, Oregon DOT warned that the eclipse could cause the worst traffic mess in Oregon history. Our own podcast host, Luke Kibby, saw this first-hand as he drove into work when living in Oregon at the time. “The roads and highways were backed-up for nearly 10 miles as people were leaving the Portland area to local state parks. This was several hours before the eclipse even started.”
In 2024, Arkansas DOT is saying the eclipse will likely be the largest tourism event in the state’s history, with 1.5 million people coming into the state and an estimated additional 700,000 vehicles will be on the state roadways. ARDOT is recommending carriers to take a voluntary “truck holiday” and park their vehicles for the day.
To make roadways even worse, many school districts across the 13 states of totality are implementing half days, which is great for families to enjoy the experience, but adding additional road issues as people travel to their local state parks and other viewing parties.
So, can carriers claim HOS exemptions or will there be Oversize restrictions in the 13 affected states? Let’s take a look.
Can carriers claim HOS exemption for solar eclipse traffic issues?
All drivers understand that heavy traffic will affect their travel times and are hoping these delays may be enough to offer an Hours-of-Service exemption, or more specifically, an Adverse Driving Condition exemption.
However, the language to qualify for this exemption does not include solar eclipse events. The major catch is this is NOT an unexpected adverse driving condition.
Adverse Driving Conditions, under Part 395.1(b) in the FMCSA Regulations Guidebook, states that if unexpected adverse driving conditions slow you down, drivers can extend both their 11 hour and 14 hour clocks if they encounter adverse conditions during their trip.
Adverse driving conditions mean things that you did not know about when you started your run, like unexpected snow, fog, or a shut-down of traffic due to a crash.
Adverse driving conditions DO NOT include situations that you should have known about, such as:
- Forecasted weather events,
- Congested traffic during typical “rush hour” periods”,
- Widely talked about Total Solar Eclipse events,
- And more
Are there Oversize/Overweight restrictions during the solar eclipse in my state?
Yes, there will be some minor and major roadway restrictions in many states during the April 8 total solar eclipse. Let’s look at each state and their DOT recommendations.
Arkansas
Arkansas DOT is saying the eclipse will likely be the largest tourism event in the state’s history, with 1.5 million people coming into the state and an estimated additional 700,000 vehicles will be on the state roadways. ARDOT is recommending carriers to take a voluntary “truck holiday” and park their vehicles for the day.
Additionally, no oversize travel will be allowed from sunset 4/4 until sunrise on 4/10.
Illinois
Crowds of 100,000 to 200,000 are expected to come to the prime viewing area in southern Illinois. Interstate 57 is the direct interstate access to the path of totality. U.S. 45 runs through the middle of the path of totality. Illinois 1 and Interstates 64 and 70 will provide access to the area.
All roads in and out of the area are expected to have heavy congestion in the couple hours after the eclipse.
Any lane closures on state projects will be lifted throughout the weekend and the day after the eclipse.
No restrictions currently.
Indiana
According to a news release, areas near the eclipse centerline that are anticipated to see the greatest influx of visitors include: Vincennes, Bloomington, Franklin and just north of Richmond. Indianapolis and Evansville are also included in the path.
Indiana DOT will limit road closures and restrictions on state routes to help with traffic flow surrounding the eclipse.
Oversize and overweight permits will also be temporarily suspended during this time.
Kentucky
At least 150,000 people are projected to visit several western Kentucky counties, with more than 1 million travelers expected to drive through Kentucky to viewing spots along the main path in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, according to a news release from the KYTC.
No specific oversize travel restrictions in place, but KYTC expect traffic congestion along I-24, I-69, US 41, US 68/KY 80, and Pennyrile Parkway. As a result, additional delays are possible along I-165 and U.S. 231, I-65, I-71, I-75, I-64, and other corridors (perhaps U.S. 23) and back roads, as well as Ohio River crossings.
Highway crews will temporarily remove work zone lane restrictions along key routes in parts of Kentucky where heavy eclipse traffic is expected.
Some work zones will remain in place:
- 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 I-69 South at I-24 Exit 25 to U.S. 68 East at Exit 47 to return to I-24 at Cadiz Exit 65.
- 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 I-165.
- 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 I-264 near Louisville; I-64/I-75 at Lexington (lane shifts); and I-275 in Northern Kentucky near Cincinnati.
Maine
No restrictions currently.
Missouri
Over 115 miles over South and Southeastern Missouri from West Plains to Cape Girardeau will provide total solar eclipse viewing from 1:55 p.m. to 2:04 p.m. Monday, April 8, 2024. Events are planned across southeast Missouri for this extremely rare event.
Missouri expected to receive large crowds from out of state and even out of the country coming here to attend weekend festivals and watch the Monday solar eclipse. Motorists are advised to plan ahead if you want to view the eclipse.
No restrictions currently.
New Hampshire
All of Coos County will be within the eclipse’s path of totality and local officials anticipate crowds as big as 50,000.
New Hampshire DOT, local officials, New Hampshire State Police, and NH Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM), are encouraging all visitors to Coos county on Monday, April 8, 2024 to stay on the state highways to reach the eclipse viewing venues and for their return trip home.
Some secondary highways and local roads were not designed to handle large volumes of traffic, and springtime in the north country can bring frost heaves and very soft shoulders.
No restrictions currently.
New York
Due to the very large traffic volumes on the day of the eclipse, and also the day after as viewers will be returning home, New York State DOT is restricting all oversize travel within counties that are in the path of the eclipse.
When restricted oversize travel?
- From 6:00 AM on Monday, April 8th
- To 9:00 PM, Tuesday, April 9th
Additionally, in conformance with NYSDOT, the New York State Thruway Authority will also be restricting oversize travel on I-90 in both directions from Exit 24 in Albany to the Pennsylvania Line and on I-190 during this time.
Ohio
The Ohio Emergency Management Agency estimates between 150,000 and 575,000 travelers will visit the state for the solar eclipse.
The state has not announced statewide DOT restrictions.
The Ohio Turnpike – a 241-mile toll road designated as I-80, I-90 and I-76 that runs east and west along the state’s northern corridor – was designed to manage large volumes of both passenger and commercial vehicle traffic safely and efficiently.
However, lane closures, typically set for construction work zones and other maintenance projects, will not be permitted prior, during, or after the eclipse.
“Currently, a long-term work zone was set for the Tinkers Creek bridge project both eastbound and westbound on the Ohio Turnpike at milepost 185.6 in Summit County. Two of the three lanes will be open in both directions.”
Additionally, Cleveland decided to restrict oversize load movement, stating that no OVMs shall be able to move in certain areas from April 1st to April 8th.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is expected to receive an influx of anywhere from 17,000 to 66,000 visitors to watch the solar eclipse, according to a study conducted by the GreatAmericanEclipse.com.
The large influx of visitors to southeastern Oklahoma could overwhelm and backup the area’s road systems. The major highways in the area are US-70, US-259, and State Highway 3. These roads are mostly two-lane highways passing through small towns.
For McCurtain County, oversize travel will be restricted from April 8th to April 9th.
Oklahoma Department of Transportation provides live traffic information in Southeast Oklahoma on the Eclipse Road Map. Cameras will be live closer to the event.
Pennsylvania
No restrictions currently.
Travelers can expect heavy traffic near these state parks:
- Pymatuning State Park in Crawford County,
- Presque Isle State Park and Erie Bluffs State Park in Erie County, and
- Maurice K. Goddard State Park in Mercer County
Texas
Up to 488,000 visitors could cram into Kerrville, a town of 25,000 about 100 miles west of Austin. The seat of Kerr County is on I-10, providing a direct pipeline of traffic from San Antonio and Houston.
Multiple state agencies are working together to prepare for emergency response and increased traffic. TxDOT crews are getting equipment and traffic signs together to help direct traffic safely and will be available 24 hours a day during the event.
Dozens of counties near the line of totality are restricting oversize/weight permits and travel from midnight to midnight on April 8th.
Vermont
Vermont DMV is instituting the Saturday, Sunday, and Holiday restrictions for over dimension/overweight commercial motor vehicles effective for Monday, April 8, 2024.
The restrictions include temporarily prohibiting permits for vehicles on state highways, unless otherwise stated, if vehicles are:
- over 100 feet long and 12 feet wide, and
- weighing more than 108,000 pounds
Standard tractor-trailer vehicles will not be affected.
VTrans is also advising Vermonters to ask friends and family visiting for the eclipse to extend their stay to prevent a surge of traffic on April 8.
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