Dealing with the traffic

This is one of the trickier posts that I’m making. I’m giving my opinions on how to deal with the very heavy traffic that is likely to be happening in certain areas along the eclipse totality path.

I’ll start by linking to Michael Zeiler's site: https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/statistics/

 

He has used software to estimate the crowds that may go see the eclipse. He estimates that the largest crowds going to and in the zone of totality will be the ones that are closest to large population centers, as well as ones that have easy access to interstates and major highways.

I have seen multiple recommendations of getting to the observing location days in advance, and staying well after totality to let crowds die down. Although I do agree with this advice, that may not be practical for some.

Here are some thoughts, in no particular order:

• Get to the totality path as early as possible on eclipse day. Don’t linger outside of the shadow path, thinking that you can sleep in or do another activity, and then make it to the eclipse on time.

• Seek alternate routes! Most people will use the Interstates and state highways. If you need to use some of the smaller state highways and roads to avoid the biggest crowds, then do so. These routes may be longer in mileage, but perhaps could get you to the eclipse path faster.

• Be prepared to change your route on the fly. You may be going to the north on one road, then east on another, then to the north again. Remember, getting to the path of totality- SAFELY- is the most important thing!

• Have good maps available to you- the more detailed, the better. This means both digital and print. There is a decent chance that digital systems may not work that day, especially in the more crowded and/or remote areas. Even better: purchase a printed map with the path of totality on it already. If you can’t, or don’t wish to do that, then you can draw the path of totality on a map that you already have (comparing it to an online map)- although you’d want to stay away from the edge of the eclipse path if you do this, in case your drawing is a few miles off. Make sure you’re in that totality path!

• Don’t be so set on getting to one location. ANY safe location in the totality path is a good location for the eclipse. You can certainly set a goal for getting to a particular location, but if traffic is really bad- then your goal should just be to get into that totality path, and to just find yourself a location that is safe for you and others (not on the shoulder of the road.)

• Look- and listen to- the traffic reports. Google Maps (traffic layer) and Waze are a couple of digital options that show you traffic in real time, but don’t rely upon them. You might have to listen to the radio to get the latest update.

• If you are needing to get back to a certain area after the eclipse, then watch the eclipse from an area that’s on the side of the centerline closest to where you need to be. Example: if you’re needing to be south of the eclipse path after the eclipse, then watch the eclipse from the path of totality, but south of the centerline. As a reminder, the path of totality is shown here- http://xjubier.free.fr/tse2017map - the red lines mark the path of totality; the blue line is the centerline. 

There is much advice coming from people who are saying to stay for as long as possible after the eclipse, to let the traffic die down. I agree with this advice, but- again- it may not be practical for some. Here’s how I’m thinking that the traffic may go after the eclipse:

• After totality, there may be a very short window where traffic is rather light. Most people will likely stay for a while to celebrate and discuss the eclipse. If you leave VERY shortly after totality, and especially if you’re on the side of the centerline that is closest to your destination, then you may be able to beat some of the crowds. I’m not sure how long this period will be, but it is likely to be short.

• But then there will likely be a fairly long time period where there will be large crowds and traffic leaving the eclipse path. This is when the advice of staying put might be good. If you have to leave the eclipse path at this time, then use the advice above, such as seeking alternate routes. 

Of course, no matter what you decide to do, it’s definitely a good idea to bring sufficient food, water, and other resources to last throughout the day- and make sure you keep your gas tank full!