Solar eclipse will bring increased traffic to parts of Missouri on April 8

By Jenna Wilson

This year’s solar eclipse may not bring as much traction to the area as it did in 2017, but drivers should still be aware that an influx of visitors will be on Missouri roads next week.

The April 8 solar eclipse in Missouri will cover more than 115 miles throughout the south and southeastern parts of the state, from West Plains to Cape Girardeau.

The days leading up to the event are when thousands of visitors are expected to flood southern Missouri.

“We do expect statewide to see a lot of traffic down in that region,” said Marty Liles, Northwest district engineer for the Missouri Department of Transportation. “I do think that there is some viewing that will happen here but it’s going to be a bit darker and won’t be the total eclipse that they can expect in southern Missouri, but expect to have a lot of traffic and congestions going on along the highways.”

In 2017, St. Joseph had thousands of visitors when the city was on the path of totality for the solar eclipse until clouds moved into Northwest Missouri, shifting people to the Kansas City area with interstates being filled over capacity with people.

Liles said agencies including MoDOT, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and emergency management officials will be monitoring rest stops to cut down on congestion.

Officials are warning drivers to be prepared for the extra traffic and special conditions for the eclipse, including getting on the road early, making sure your headlights are on avoiding taking photographs while driving and having the appropriate eyewear.

“If you get too close in view it can actually harm your eyes so have the appropriate glasses for that,” Liles said. “In contrast, obviously you don’t want to be wearing those glasses when you’re driving as well so we just ask that people make responsible decisions when driving. One of the main issues that we have on the roadways today is a significant amount of distracted driving which leads to tragic accidents.”

In addition, anyone planning to enjoy the view of the eclipse on water should make sure boat lights are properly functioning.

MoDOT encourages drivers to use its online travel information map to monitor congestion on the highways on April 8.