Which Austin roadways could see the most eclipse traffic?
AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's less than two weeks until the total solar eclipse, where Texans will have a front-and-center view of the natural phenomenon. With many visitors expected to travel to the Lone Star State for the event, state transportation leaders expect plenty of gridlock and bumper-to-bumper conditions.
A Texas Department of Transportation spokesperson said the state agency expects major highways from Laredo to Tyler will be caught in the thick of it. Here in Austin, TxDOT anticipates Interstate 35, State Highway 71, U.S. Highway 290 and U.S. Highway 281 will be where the bulk of gridlock conditions are consolidated.
Elsewhere in the Central Texas region, the Hill Country is poised to see an influx of visitors and area residents flocking, given its position in the eclipse's path of totality.
TxDOT advises drivers to check DriveTexas.org for real-time traffic conditions and updates and forewarns drivers to not park on the shoulder of highways to witness the event. Drivers are also steered away from parking along the right of way to avoid damaging wildflowers or the risk of a sparked wildfire from a vehicle's engine.
TxDOT also encourages drivers to keep their eyes on the road and to pull over at a safe rest stop to watch the eclipse. It's also recommended drivers use their headlights so other drivers can see them and watch for pedestrians, cyclists or other motorists who might be watching the eclipse.
State crews will be deployed and on standby to help in any incidents that might happen, officials added. More details and tips for drivers are available online.