The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), VisitErie, and the Erie Metropolitan Transportation Authority (EMTA) are reminding travelers of available resources to help make their trek within northwest Pennsylvania easier on April 8.
The path of the eclipse will impact Pennsylvania starting at approximately 2:00 PM as the moon travels in front of the sun. At approximately 3:16 PM to 3:20 PM totality will occur in the northwest region. At the same time, the remainder of the state will see the moon covering 90% to 99% of the sun. The eclipse will conclude at approximately 4:30 PM.
Nearly 435,000 Pennsylvanians live in the path of totality for the 2024 solar eclipse, which will impact Crawford and Erie counties as well as portions of Mercer and Warren counties. An anticipated 200,000 people are expected to journey into the Erie County area to watch the astronomical event, which could lead to travel challenges in different portions of the state throughout the day.
Drivers across the state are reminded to not park on the interstates or other highways to view the eclipse, including the shoulders, medians, or crossovers.
PennDOT has coordinated with other state agencies and local government representatives to take steps to minimize possible traffic congestion in the northwest region.
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) will remove disabled vehicles from interstates in northwestern Pennsylvania and post troopers at each exit to keep traffic moving. People gathered at rest stops will be directed to view the eclipse elsewhere.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) will keep all lanes open at the Cranberry Interchange (Exit #28) which connects with Interstate 79, and will have additional maintenance personnel on duty in the event of an emergency.
Additionally, numerous online resources are available to assist tourists traveling to the path of totality.
PennDOT developed a 511PA page – www.511pa.com/eclipse24 – specific to traveling to the City of Erie. The page offers various suggested routes and their travel times to help drivers map a path to Erie, which will experience one of the longest periods of darkness that day.
The page offers the following contains transportation related tips:
- Plan ahead for longer than usual travel times to and from destinations. Take necessary supplies, such as water, food and medications.
- Exit the highway to view the eclipse.
- Turn on your headlights.
- Be alert for vehicles on the shoulder and increased pedestrian traffic.
- Put down the phone and never take pictures or videos while driving.
- Take off eclipse glasses while driving.
- Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful and don't litter.
For up-to-date travel information on the day of the event, follow PennDOT news and find #eclipse24 updates on X, and the department's Northwest Region Facebook group.
Travelers are advised to plan ahead for where they would prefer to watch the eclipse, but to pick backup options as well. To help find a location to watch the eclipse or learn, related events, and dining options in the City of Erie and throughout Erie County, go to VisitErie's Erie Eclipse 2024 page, which includes a map of parks and other public viewing areas, parking lots and garages, and planetariums.
To assist with travel throughout the county and the city, the EMTA will offer public transportation options on April 8, including all regularly scheduled fixed route services on the e. The myStop app helps users find, track and plan their ride and also provides alerts and updates on routes in real time. Token Transit is mobile app available for cashless bus fare and storing bus passes. For more information on EMTA routes, mobile apps and more, visit www.ride-the-e.com.
Additionally, they will offer a complimentary shuttle service that will loop from the Intermodal Center to East Front Street then up State Street to Perry Square continuing to 10th Street and back down Holland Street to the Intermodal Center. There are six stops along the route, including the shelters at Seventh and French streets and 10th and Holland streets, which are near public parking garages. The shuttle will begin at 9:00 AM and continue until traffic clears.
For additional transportation safety information and resources, including sharable social media graphics and a printable handout, go online to PennDOT's Media Center.
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MEDIA CONTACTS: Jill Harry, PennDOT, 814-678-5035 or jharry@pa.gov
Sara Morrison, EMTA, smorrison@ride-the-e.com or 814-459-8922, ext.122
Chris Temple, VisitErie, cvb1@visiterie.com or 814-454-1000, ext. 136