LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to visit Kentucky and Indiana for the upcoming solar eclipse.
On April 8, millions of Americans will experience up to 4 minutes and 27 seconds of darkness in the middle of the day.
According to NASA, a total solar eclipse is when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, blocking the sun’s light.
Increased traffic and congestion are expected as residents and tourists alike make their way to viewing destinations across Kentucky and Indiana to get inside the path of totality.
What travel will look like in Kentucky
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is working with Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM), Kentucky State Police (KSP) and local emergency agencies on the potential traffic issues that may arise from a massive number of visitors traveling through the Bluegrass State.
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.
Traffic officials said the total solar eclipse will impact eight Kentucky counties, including Fulton, Hickman, Ballard, McCracken, Livingston, Crittenden, Union and Henderson counties. It will also clip four others, such as Carlisle, Graves, Webster, and Daviess counties.
The total eclipse will last roughly 1-3 minutes in Kentucky. Major cities along its path include Paducah, Morganfield, and Henderson.
KYTC said traffic into and through western Kentucky along US-24, I-69, and U.S. 41 is expected to be congested. In addition, traffic is expected to be congested along the Pennyrile Parkway and U.S. 68/KY 80 corridor before, during, and after the eclipse.
The eclipse could add traffic to US-165 and U.S. 231, as well as I-64, I-65, I-71, I-75, I-165 and other corridors and back roads, as well as Ohio River crossings where traffic passes through Kentucky.
Traffic officials said areas to the north in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois will have four minutes or more of totality, so increased traffic is likely in northern Kentucky counties that border viewing sites in neighboring states.
What travel will look like in Indiana
Nearly 4 million Hoosiers live within the path of totality of the eclipse.
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.
Traffic officials said the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) 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.
To avoid getting stuck in traffic during the eclipse, INDOT and ISP officials are urging drivers to plan ahead and prepare for potential travel impacts before, during and after the eclipse
RELATED: Places you can drive to from Louisville that will be in the path of the 2024 total solar eclipse
Here are some of the travel do's and don'ts leading up to the rare event:
DO:
- Get eclipse-viewing glasses early. Regular sunglasses are not safe.
- Fill up your gas tank before traveling in the event of traffic delays.
- Turn on headlights.
- Drive alert and watch for pedestrians.
- Come early, stay late. This will help minimize major traffic delays.
- Plan ahead. Book accommodations early and select a viewing destination before you travel. Locations with restrooms and food will be in high demand.
- Travel with enough food and water for everyone in your vehicle. Expect lines at restaurants, convenience stores and grocery stores.
- Check the local weather.
DON'T:
- Travel during the eclipse or in the main path if possible.
- Stop along highways or emergency shoulders.
- Take pictures while driving. Exit the highway to view or photograph the event.
- Wear eclipse glasses while driving.
- Drive recklessly.
Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.