LivCo Sol

Transportation, Travel, and Parking

While the number of eclipse visitors is hard to estimate, residents and visitors should expect increased activity on roadways, neighborhoods, public facilities, restaurants, parks, and retail stores. Hotels, short-term rentals, and campgrounds will be at peak capacity.

The large influx of people expected to visit New York during this eclipse event will greatly impact highways, gasoline supply, and other basic needs. What you do to plan ahead will help your eclipse-viewing experience.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

• Expect delays. Traffic backups are inevitable. Preparation ensures less frustration for visitors and residents alike.
• Expect traffic changes. Normal travel paths may be disrupted.
• Be prepared. If traveling, plan for your basic needs such as food, water, fuel for your vehicle, and bathroom breaks in case you are stuck in traffic.
• Do what you can to HELP. Can you work from home or flex your work schedule when local roadways are full? Avoid roads being used to get people in or out of a local event. Ride your bicycle when possible to avoid congestion.
• Look out for each other. This is a rare opportunity, but it brings potential hazards. We must all do our part to be prepared. You may see travelers who are unfamiliar with the area. Be friendly, helpful, and patient.
• Motor Vehicle Accidents. If you have a fender bender, call 911 if there are injuries, dangers, or leaking fluids. Move your vehicles safely to the side of the road and exchange insurance information.
• Be mindful of New York's “move over” law. As soon as you see lights, vests or reflectors, check traffic around you, SLOW DOWN and MOVE OVER if safe to do so. The New York State Move Over Law protects law enforcement officers, emergency workers, tow and service vehicle operators and other maintenance workers stopped along roadways while performing their duties.
  • Drivers must use due care when approaching an emergency vehicle that displays red or any combination of red, white or blue emergency lighting or a hazard vehicle displaying flashing amber lighting, or a vehicle displaying blue or green lighting:
    • On all roads and highways, drivers must reduce speed;
  • On Parkways and other controlled access highways with multiple lanes, when approaching an emergency vehicle that displays red or any combination of red, white or blue emergency lighting, or a hazard vehicle displaying flashing amber lighting, or a vehicle displaying blue or green lighting, drivers must move from the lane immediately adjacent to the emergency or hazard vehicle, unless traffic or other hazards exist to prevent doing so safely.
• Keep emergency vehicles in mind when parking. Maintaining room for emergency vehicles is critical during large scale events such as the eclipse. Parking in your driveway or on your own property, will help ensure first responders will not be impeded by parked vehicles on their way to an emergency call.