COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine said the Ohio National Guard is "on standby" to assist with traffic and other needs as state officials make final preparations for Monday's total solar eclipse.
DeWine stood with other state agency leaders Friday for a press briefing ahead of the eclipse. The Ohio Department of Transportation, the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources were present.
The peak spectacle on Monday will last up to 4 minutes, 28 seconds in the path of total darkness — a 115-mile-wide path that slices across the continent. That's the place to be to experience the full eclipse — most of the rest of the continent outside the path of totality will get a partial eclipse.
Ohio will start seeing the partial eclipse just before 2 p.m. and ends around 4:30 p.m. The total solar eclipse will begin around 3:10 p.m. for several communities and end around 3:14 p.m. with a maximum viewing time in Ohio under four minutes.
Last month, DeWine signed an executive order directing all state departments and agencies to properly prepare for the eclipse.
"There is no better place to experience the eclipse than in Ohio, the Birthplace of Aviation and the heart of aerospace," said DeWine. "While we are confident that our local communities have fully prepared for the influx of spectators, having our Emergency Operations Center at the ready will allow us to immediately respond if any unexpected needs arise."
The event is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the state. The influx of visitors prompted state agencies to work together to ensure everyone is prepared and safe before, during and after the event.
Travelers are urged to arrive early and stay late to avoid the heaviest traffic.
DeWine said there was not a need to activate the National Guard ahead of the solar eclipse. However, he did mention that they're on standby in case law enforcement and state agencies need assistance.
Here are the plans from each state agency for the total solar eclipse.
OHIO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
The Ohio EMA urges those traveling to see the eclipse to make a preparedness kit for their vehicle and include items like snacks, drinks, cash, cell phone chargers and blankets. Motorists should top off their fuel tanks or fully charge their electric vehicles before heading out.
It’s also a good idea to have a family communication plan to ensure you know how to reconnect in case you get separated from friends or family at a large gathering. Make sure children have contact information for parents or guardians with them.
Finally, be aware of weather conditions and where you might seek shelter in the event of severe weather. Be sure to activate emergency alerting features on your mobile devices.
OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
The Ohio Department of Transportation will be fully staffed before, during and after the eclipse to assist with traffic control. The agency is treating the solar eclipse like a major travel holiday by restricting roadwork and reducing the size of active work zones as much as possible to accommodate the extra traffic. There are locations where this isn’t possible. They include:
- I-75 through Cincinnati and Dayton
- I-70/71 in downtown Columbus
- I-70 in Zanesville
- I-475 on the southwest side of Toledo
- Several projects in the Akron metro area on I-76, I-77, and SR 8.
Roads are expected to be congested before the eclipse as travelers begin to arrive at their viewing locations. However, the worst traffic congestion is expected to happen after the event is over as everyone tries to head home at the same time.
Due to the potential for cell phone service interruptions, travelers are urged to have a paper map with them to assist with navigation.
OHIO TURNPIKE AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMISSION
The Ohio Turnpike is a 241-mile toll road designated as I-90, I-80 and I-76 that runs east and west along the state’s northern corridor.
Lane closures, typically set for construction work zones and other maintenance projects, will not be permitted prior, during or after the eclipse. Currently, a work zone is set for the Tinkers Creek bridge project both eastbound and westbound on the Ohio Turnpike at milepost 185.6 in Summit County. Two of the three lanes will be open in both directions.
Like planning for peak travel days throughout the year, the Ohio Turnpike will be staffed by personnel providing roadside assistance to stranded motorists 24 hours a day. The Ohio Turnpike’s toll booths, 14 service plazas, and eight maintenance buildings will be staffed in anticipation of a high-volume traffic event.
Portable message signs will be placed at various locations along the toll road to keep travelers informed about traffic incidents, driving conditions, or to provide other roadway safety messages.
Participating restaurants at the Ohio Turnpike's service plazas will extend their hours of operation and increase staffing and supplies. Gasoline and diesel fuel deliveries will also be increased.
OHIO STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
Troopers will be highly visible and ready to assist motorists in the days leading up to, during and following the eclipse.
Stopping on the side of roads or exit ramps for non-emergencies is strictly prohibited. Do not attempt to view or capture the eclipse while driving.
Consider factors like traffic and travel time. Establishing a well-thought-out plan that includes departure times and routes can significantly reduce stress and enhance your overall experience.
Motorists can dial #677 in Ohio to report unsafe drivers or stranded motorists.
On Monday, you can watch 10TV's two-hour special "Great American Eclipse" where we'll provide last-minute viewing, safety and travel tips before totality begins. You can also watch our live coverage on 10TV, the free 10TV mobile app, 10TV.com and 10TV+ — our free streaming app available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV.