The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC), and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) are advising residents to plan ahead for the Total Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8. 

“Pennsylvania is lucky to be one of only 13 states in the path of totality for this eclipse, bringing residents and visitors a unique viewing opportunity in our own backyard. The high number of expected visitors is an opportunity to showcase our state and also requires partnership among state agencies and travelers alike,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “We are coordinating across agencies as well as with local governments and regional organizations to plan for the likelihood of traffic congestion that day with an emphasis on safety for our residents and eclipse tourists.”

According to the above agencies, nearly 435,000 Pennsylvanians live in the path of totality for the 2024 Solar Eclipse.

Additionally, upwards of 200,000 people are expected to journey into the City of Erie alone to watch the astronomical event, which could lead to travel challenges in different portions of the state throughout the day. 

The path of the eclipse will impact Pennsylvania starting at approximately 2 p.m. as the moon travels in front of the sun. Totality in the northwest region will occur at approximately 3:16 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. 

Other parts of the state will see the moon covering 90 to 99 percent of the sun. The eclipse will conclude around 4:30 p.m. 

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will be keeping all lanes of traffic open heading to and from Erie on I-79 via the Cranberry Interchange (Exit #28) and adding additional maintenance personnel in the event of an emergency.

“We would like drivers to pay attention to posted speed limits and keep their eyes on the road as traffic is expected to be heavier than normal here during this time frame,” said PA Turnpike Chief Operating Officer Craig Shuey.

PSP said it will be removing disabled vehicles from interstates in northwestern Pennsylvania and post troopers at each exit to keep traffic movie. People gather at rest stops will be directed to view the eclipse elsewhere. 

“Our primary concern is public safety,” said Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “Troopers will have an increased presence in the area and zero tolerance for distracted, aggressive, and intoxicated drivers. This eclipse should be a once-in-a-lifetime event with fond memories, not an experience marred by tragedy.”

More information on traffic can be found on PennDOT's website. 

More information on eclipse planning can be found on VisitErie's website or on Erie New Now's Eclipse page. 

Along with using the webpage, eclipse travelers are reminded of the following safety tips:

  • Plan ahead for longer than usual travel times to and from destinations.
  • 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.