TYLER, Texas — With the total solar eclipse less than a month away, the plans for roadway safety are at being put in place in East Texas.
"We are expecting more traffic, more congestion," Texas Department of Transportation Tyler District spokesperson Jeff Williford said.
The total solar eclipse on April 8 will be visible in several parts of East Texas.
TxDOT has plans in place beginning the day before the eclipse. Williford said the Tyler district received two main cruisers in March. TxDOT vehicles will be patrolling 10 to 15 mile stretches of major roadways, including Interstate 20 and US Highway 69. The cruisers will be equipped with fuel, water, tools, and tow straps in case they are needed.
TxDOT is asking drivers to make sure their headlights are on and not to stop in or along the roadways.
"Don’t park on the shoulder, I know it’s there, but we encourage people not to park there," Williford said. "That can slow down traffic, that could make things dangerous for you and your passengers as well. Plan ahead, give yourself more time to travel. Make sure you’re ready for that and try to drive politely.
Williford also said to be particularly careful on smaller county roads and Farm-to-Market Roads that often are winding and have no shoulders.