**Key Takeaways:**
– The 2017 eclipse in Wyoming led to unprecedented traffic congestion, causing accidents and sanitation issues.
– Texas is preparing for a significant influx of visitors for the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8th, with some counties already declaring disasters to mobilize resources.
– Lessons from Wyoming’s experience are being shared with Texas officials to better manage traffic and public safety.
– Texas expects to handle the visitor surge better due to its robust transportation infrastructure, but concerns remain about traffic management post-eclipse.
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During the 2017 eclipse in Wyoming, traffic congestion reached such extreme levels that it resulted in a collision with a bison and forced many travelers to relieve themselves along major highways. With Texas poised to witness a total solar eclipse on April 8th, anticipation is building, drawing potentially millions of international visitors to the state. In response, several counties have proactively declared disasters, enabling them to allocate resources and aid more freely in preparation for the expected visitor surge.
Texas officials have been briefed on Wyoming’s 2017 eclipse experience, which saw some of the worst traffic congestions in the state’s history. This sharing of insights aims to help Texas better prepare for the event. Doug McGee, a spokesperson for Wyoming’s Department of Transportation, highlighted the overwhelming influx of visitors in 2017, which significantly exceeded the state’s capacity, leading to severe traffic jams and logistical challenges.
Wyoming’s preparations for the eclipse, despite being extensive, fell short of managing the actual volume of traffic. McGee recounted how roads were paralyzed in the moments leading up to the eclipse, forcing people to watch from wherever they found themselves. The aftermath saw all types of vehicles clogging the state’s highways in a bid to leave, creating an unprecedented traffic scenario.
The aftermath analysis by various state agencies consistently pointed to traffic management as a critical area of concern. Wyoming’s Military Department noted the difficulty in responding to incidents along major highways due to the congestion. The event also saw a significant increase in accidents, including a notable collision with a bison, and raised sanitation issues due to the lack of facilities for the massive number of visitors.
McGee’s advice to Texas centers on the need for effective traffic control measures and considering alternative routes to alleviate congestion. Texas, known for its substantial visitor numbers and robust transportation infrastructure, especially in the metroplex, is expected to manage the influx better. However, concerns remain about potential traffic headaches post-eclipse, particularly in areas like Ellis County, where the eclipse’s totality duration is longest.
Ellis County Judge Todd Little expressed concerns about traffic management and the availability of emergency services during the eclipse. Measures are being considered to ensure public safety and manage the expected influx efficiently. Travis County has also taken steps to prepare for the event, requiring large viewing parties to register with the county to help estimate crowd sizes and allocate emergency resources effectively.
As Texas gears up for the eclipse, the lessons from Wyoming’s experience serve as a valuable guide to managing the challenges of such a significant event, emphasizing the importance of preparation, resource allocation, and traffic management to ensure public safety and a positive experience for all visitors.