TYLER, Texas — The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is warning drivers to use extra caution Monday, April 8, as a total solar eclipse will be visible throughout East Texas -- which is in the path of totality.
"As this intergalactic experience comes front and center, out-of-state visitors and Texans traveling to get a perfect view are expected to cause heavier traffic than usual," TxDOT said. "Plan ahead for possible delays and give yourself extra time to get to your destination before and after the eclipse."
Major delays are expected around the following areas:
- I-20 (Smith Co., Gregg Co., Van Zandt Co.)
- SH 64 (Smith Co., Wood Co., Van Zandt Co.)
- SH 31 (Smith Co.)
- US 175 (Henderson Co., Anderson Co., Cherokee Co.)
- SH 198 (Henderson Co.)
- US 69 (Smith Co., Wood Co., Cherokee Co.)
- SH 19 (Anderson Co., Cherokee Co., Henderson Co., Van Zandt Co.)
- SH 155 (Anderson Co., Cherokee Co., Smith Co.)
- Loop 323 (Smith Co.)
- US 79 (Anderson Co.)
- US 271 (Gregg Co., Smith Co.)
- US 80 (Wood Co.)
- SH 243 (Van Zandt Co.)
"Also make sure that you pull into a safe location to watch the eclipse and avoid stopping on the roadway or parking on the shoulder," TxDOT said. "Do not try to view the eclipse while driving. TxDOT has multiple safety rest areas and Travel Information Centers with safe places to park. Those locations and real-time traffic updates can be found at drivetexas.org."
TxDOT has also provided these additional safety tips for the eclipse:
- Prepare your vehicle and yourself for extra time on the road. That means checking tire pressure and bringing water and snacks in case you need to sit in traffic for a while.
- Be calm and courteous on the road, slow down and be ready for increased traffic.
- Dispose of all waste in a proper trash can, no exceptions. Don’t mess with Texas means don’t litter.