ARKANSAS, USA — With the total solar eclipse just two weeks away, the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) has released a traffic forecast map to help Arkansans get an idea of how the "largest tourism event in Arkansas history" might look.
On April 8, a solar eclipse will pass over America, and the path of totality, or complete darkness, will go straight through the center of Arkansas.
ARDOT said that although the map has been researched extensively, it's still just a prediction. "Much like a weather prediction, we don't know what will happen the day of until it happens."
ARDOT plans to have crews posted along the major interstates.
“All 10 districts will have their maintenance workers,” said ARDOT's Dave Parker. “ Just really to react if we get word that a highway is backed up or if there's been an accident.”
To help with the flow of traffic, Parker advises people to prepare for April 8 like they would if they had to drive in a snowstorm.
“If it takes you 25 minutes to get to work that Monday morning, it may take you double that. If you need to be home that afternoon ... you should plan on a little more time,” Parker said.
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