COLUMBUS, Ohio — In order to prepare for the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, the governor has signed Executive Order 2024-04D, according to a press release, which will direct “all State departments and agencies to be ready and prepared to ensure the health and safety of all Ohioans and visitors before, during, and after the eclipse.”
“The safety and well-being of Ohioans is always at the forefront of everything we do,” Gov. Mike DeWine said in the release. “We have been preparing for the April 8th solar eclipse for several years to ensure this once-in-a-lifetime event can be safe and memorable for all.”
Since the U.S. was founded, there have only been 21 solar eclipses passing through the "lower 48 states," the release notes, with the last total solar eclipse visible in our state more than 200 years ago.
“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.”
The release includes guidance issued by various agencies ahead of the big day.
The Ohio Emergency Management Agency, which the release notes is coordinating the preparation, recommends visitors make “preparedness kits” for their vehicles that include food, cash and electronics chargers. They also recommend people fill up their tanks or charge their cars ahead of time.
They also recommend educating yourself on the likelihood of severe weather and ensuring visiting families have contingency plans in case they are separated in crowds.
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), according to the release, “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,” the release reads.
This will not be possible at the following locations:
- 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
ODOT warns of congested roads ahead of the eclipse and especially after. They are pushing visitors to their live traffic updates on OHGO.com. However, they also caution for cell signal issues and encourage visitors bring a paper map as well, just in case.
The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission also announced some updates in the release related to planning around the eclipse. They will not permit lane closures that are typically present for construction work or maintenance.
“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 release reads. “The Ohio Turnpike’s toll booths, 14 service plazas, and eight maintenance buildings will be staffed in anticipation of a high-volume traffic event.”
The release continues to note that there will be message boards along the toll road to provide traffic updates and safety messages. Additionally, “participating restaurants” at the service plazas will have extended hours. It also notes that there will be an increase in gas and diesel deliveries.
The Ohio State Highway patrol notes that “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,” the release reads. “Do not attempt to view or capture the eclipse while driving.”
The release recommends drivers call #677 to report unsafe drivers and/or anyone who is stranded.
It also recommends those who plan on visiting and/or celebrating visit “a list of Ohio state parks and wildlife areas in or near the path of totality” as well as an events lists on the Ohio, The Heart of it All’s eclipse page.