ODOT gearing up for the eclipse – says you should, too

Many things will look different on Oregon highways in the days before the Aug. 21 total solar eclipse. And it’s not just because things will be dark for a while mid-day.

ODOT is making some significant changes in highway procedures to help you stay safe and reduce congestion during the #Eclipse2017.

How different? Here are a few things the public will see–or not.

Different traffic patterns. Normal travel paths may change. Communities may close streets to through traffic or ban left turns or right turns to keep traffic moving, especially in areas near gatherings with many eclipse visitors. ODOT does not plan to close state highways, but some left turns may be restricted from or to highways. Work zones. All ODOT construction and non-emergency maintenance in the path of totality will shut down Aug. 18-22. In other parts of the state, work will be curtailed depending on expected eclipse traffic impact. But work zones may still have narrow lanes, sharper curves or grooved pavement: Slow down and pay attention in all work zones, active or not! Fewer big trucks. All over-dimension loads are restricted everywhere in Oregon from noon Friday Aug. 18 to Tuesday Aug. 22. Truck scales closed. ODOT truck scales around the state may be used for staging by law enforcement and emergency response vehicles, a way to better speed help to where it’s needed. More signs with advice. You’ll see hundreds of extra roadside readerboards warning you about road issues and reminding you to avoid distractions and be even more careful about fire danger. More ODOT trucks pre-positioned along critical travel routes to keep motorists mobile and safe. www.Tripcheck.com provides you the most current travel information available, using embedded road sensors, other travel data and more than 400 highway cameras. Check up on the traffic on your planned route before leaving home. Things you can’t see. All over the state, ODOT emergency operation centers will be up and running to help law enforcement, fire fighters and emergency medical providers do their jobs and saves lives.

Here are a few ways to tune in to the latest information.

Twitter. Follow @oregondot. Facebook. Visit facebook.com/oregondot. 511. The latest traffic information in an audio format. www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Pages/Eclipse.aspx , ODOT’s eclipse webpage, links you to useful information.

Remember, we’re all in this together. Be prepared, help your neighbors and be kind to our visitors.