Indiana will play a pivotal role in hosting eclipse enthusiasts as they flock to the Hoosier State to catch a glimpse of the first total solar eclipse in seven years on April 8.
The eclipse will be visible over a large portion of the state with the path of totality spanning from Evansville to the outskirts of Fort Wayne, entering southwest Indiana at 3:01 p.m. and exiting to the northeast at 3:12 p.m. Other parts of the state will experience a partial eclipse of at least 90% totality from approximately 1:30 p.m. to 4:3o p.m.
Nearly 4 million Hoosiers live within the path of totality, and hundreds of thousands of people are expected to visit Indiana for the event. Increased traffic and congestion also are expected as residents and tourists alike make their way to viewing destinations.
Seymour is anticipated to have more than 60,000 people in the city on the day of the eclipse. In celebration of Jackson County’s position in the path of totality, the city is hosting a solar eclipse pre-party on April 7 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The festival will feature educational programming about the eclipse, food, vendors and live music at Crossroads Community Park, 101 E. Tipton St.
On the day of the eclipse, the Crothersville Junior-Senior High School athletic department is planning Eclipse Fest on the school grounds, 109 N. Preston St., Crothersville. The event will include a blackout 5K run/walk at 8 a.m., a silent auction from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., a baby contest at 9 a.m., a dog parade at 10 a.m., a talent show at 11 a.m. and a Moon Pie eating contest at 1 p.m.
The Jackson County Visitor Center and city of Seymour have purchased solar eclipse glasses, which will be available during Seymour’s pre-party on April 7 at Crossroads Community Park. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources also has solar eclipse glasses and T-shirts available for purchase.
To ensure a smooth trip, the Indiana Department of Transportation and Indiana State Police urge drivers to plan ahead and prepare for potential travel impacts before, during and after the eclipse.
Before the eclipse
-Research your viewing site, considering accessibility, parking and crowd size. Check INDOT TrafficWise on the mobile app or at 511in.org to plan your route and monitor traffic conditions. Plan to arrive to your destination early.
-Anticipate increased traffic and congestion, especially in areas in or near the path of totality.
-Reach your destination safely. Buckle up and put your phone down while driving.
-Pack plenty of snacks and water as well as charging cables for electronics and mobile devices in the event you or your group become stranded.
-Make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas and top off fluids before you head out in case you’re stuck in traffic for a long period of time.
-Don’t forget your solar eclipse viewing glasses. You will need specially designed glasses to avoid damage to your eyes.
During the eclipse
-Avoid travel during the eclipse or in the main path if possible.
-Exit the roadway to stop and view the solar eclipse. Do not stop along highways or park on the shoulder for viewing.
-Do not take photos or videos while driving. Indiana is a hands-free state. Holding mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets, while driving is prohibited by state law.
-Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving.
-Turn on your headlights. Do not rely on automatic lights.
-Watch for pedestrians, especially along secondary roads.
After the eclipse
-Plan your post-event transportation method well in advance. If celebrating, ensure everyone has a safe and sober way to return home. Designate a sober driver or arrange for alternate transportation.
-Exercise patience when leaving your viewing location as traffic may be heavy. Follow instructions from law enforcement or emergency personnel and be considerate of fellow drivers. Stay put and stick around to avoid the post-event rush.
-Clean up after yourself and dispose of trash in designated receptacles or take it with you.
-Once again, check INDOT TrafficWise on the mobile app or at 511in.org to plan your route and monitor traffic conditions.
INDOT will limit road closures and restrictions where possible on state routes to help with traffic flow surrounding the eclipse. View current construction and maintenance activities on INDOT’s TrafficWisemap or the free mobile app.