Total eclipse could make for a total traffic nightmare, safety officials warn

Some secondary highways and local roads were not designed to handle large volumes of traffic, and springtime in the north country can bring frost heaves and very soft shoulders. (Courtesy image)

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation , local officials, New Hampshire State Police, and NH Homeland Security and Emergency Management are encouraging all visitors to Coos County on April 8 to stay on the state major highways to reach the eclipse viewing venues and for their return trip home.

Some secondary highways and local roads were not designed to handle large volumes of traffic, and springtime in the north country can bring frost heaves and very soft shoulders.

Traffic generated by the solar eclipse will impact roads throughout New Hampshire. Safety officials are asking visitors to obey all officers assisting with traffic control as well as all signs and traffic control devices. They also remind visitors to be prepared for slow travel heading south after the eclipse on Monday evening.

Official NH travel information will be posted to the NHDOT Facebook and Twitter social media pages, and motorists are encouraged to visit newengland511.org for real-time traffic information for Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Residents and visitors with questions should email the NH Joint Information Center at jic@dos.nh.gov or call (603) 223-6169.