Traffic on Eastern Oregon highways began to increase over the weekend as travelers head towards the zone of totality for the 2017 eclipse that occurs today.
“We are seeing an increase in traffic as travelers head to eclipse events or to find a camping spot.” said Oregon Department of Transportation District 14 Manager Paul Woodworth over the weekend. “Some campgrounds are filling up and in some areas additional sites are being set up. Another issue we are seeing is more pedestrians walking along the highway shoulder as they move between campgrounds and event sites. All motorists and pedestrians need to pay extra attention, avoid distractions and keep your eyes on the roadway.”
ODOT has been preparing for eclipse traffic for several months. Employees are staffed to provide coverage day and night through Tuesday.
“We have strategically positioned teams of maintenance crews who are ready to respond to incidents,” said Woodworth. “These crash teams can help move stalled or stranded vehicles away from travel lanes to help keep traffic moving. Maintaining safety and keeping traffic moving are our primary goals.”
Traffic was moving a bit slower along sections of Interstate 84 and secondary highways throughout Eastern Oregon by Friday. ODOT officials expect today to be busier and remind everyone to plan ahead before getting behind the wheel. Be prepared by checking TripCheck.com for updated highway conditions, traffic speed data and reports of road closures or delays.
ODOT expected to see a 40 percent increase in traffic on Sunday, and higher numbers today, Woodworth said.
“We will do what we can to keep traffic moving, but motorists should expect long delays,” he said.
If traveling, be prepared with a full tank of gas, snacks, water and a lot of patience. If you do get stuck in a traffic jam, stay calm and be kind to others. Stay on main highways as much as possible and avoid blindly following GPS navigation devices onto unfamiliar roads. They may not be suitable for your vehicles and could leave you stranded along a remote, unimproved road.
