A significant increase in traffic is expected as Texans and tourists within the state travel to witness the rare total solar eclipse on April 8.
Texas takes center stage in this unusual event. Scientists say this will be the first total solar eclipse to occur over Texas since 1878, and the last total solar eclipse visible from the United States until 2045.
According to TxDOT, the total path includes 480 miles of Texas, which could result in major traffic jams before, during, and after the event. Multiple state agencies are working together to respond to emergencies and prepare for increased traffic.
“Many Texans will be able to view the total solar eclipse from their backyards,” said TxDOT Emergency Management Coordinator Matthew Heinze. “And residents from neighboring states and other counties will be coming here to see it, which will result in more vehicles on state highways to see the eclipse, according to forecasts. Up to 1 million people could travel to, through, and within Texas to reach totality.”
TxDOT said it has been planning the statewide operation for two years to ensure the smoothest and safest possible flow of traffic.
Here are some ways to help you prepare:
What can you do to prepare for a solar eclipse?
- Expect heavier than normal traffic in the days leading up to and following the eclipse, especially on major corridors near the path of totality.
- Start early and plan your route. The drive may take longer than expected. DriveTexas.org has the latest traffic information.
- Find a safe, designated parking space before the eclipse. Do not stop in the middle of the road or on the shoulder.
- “Drive the Texas way and be friendly.” Be calm and courteous on the road.
- Enjoy the beautiful wildflowers that are about to bloom. However, please do not run over or trample on them with your car so that they will bloom again next year.
- Don't let trash overshadow Texas. Please dispose of all waste in appropriate trash cans.
When will the 2024 solar eclipse occur?
According to NASA, the eclipse's path will continue from Mexico and enter the United States from Texas to Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, and other states. It will pass through New Hampshire and Maine.A total solar eclipse will also be visible in parts of Tennessee and Michigan.
Several Texas cities will go on the path to totalization, including Dallas, most of Fort Worth, Waco, Temple, most of Austin, and parts of San Antonio. Denton is outside the path of wholeness.
In Dallas, the moon will begin covering the sun around 12:23 p.m., and totality will begin around 1:40 p.m. and end just under four minutes later. The moon will then move away from the sun and the spectacle will end around 3:02 p.m. The exact timing will vary depending on your location within the metropolis.
- Eagle Pass: 1:27 p.m.
- Uvalde: 1:29 p.m.
- San Antonio: 1:33 p.m.
- Austin: 1:36 p.m.
- Waco: 1:38 p.m.
- dallas and fort worth: 1:40 p.m.
- Tyler: 1:43 p.m.
- Texarkana: 1:46 p.m.
Visit Travel Texas for travel plans.
