Planning For and Lessons From the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

On April 8, 2024, there was a total solar eclipse that spanned the United States from Texas to Maine, directly impacting 15 States and numerous metropolitan areas, including Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX; Little Rock, AR; Indianapolis, IN; Cleveland, OH; and Buffalo. NY. In the United States, an estimated 32 million people reside within the path of totality, which began in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT and ended in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT. Millions more traveled into the affected areas to see the event firsthand. Areas directly in the path of totality experienced up to 4 minutes and 27 seconds of darkness, nearly double that of the last eclipse, the “Great American Eclipse” in 2017.

While significant travel disruptions were expected, the combination of effective planning and cloud cover along the eclipse path led to an overall reliable movement of people and goods during the eclipse. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) shared noteworthy strategies, resources, tools, and innovations to prepare for this planned special event. A 2024 Solar Eclipse Final Report and Case Study is expected to be released in 2025.

Solar Eclipse Resources

• 2024 FHWA Solar Eclipse Interstate Map w/Safety Tips
• Video message from former FHWA Administrator Shailen Bhatt delivered in advance of the 2024 total solar eclipse.

• February 2024 webinar hosted by the National Operations Center of Excellence (NOCoE): Total Solar Eclipse Planning Webinar (recorded on February 21, 2024)
• April 2022 webinar hosted by NOCoE: 2024 Solar Eclipse Planning Webinar:
  • NASA’s overview of eclipses video
  • FHWA’s planning for the 2024 solar eclipse video
  • Ohio's Emergency Management Preparations Video
• FHWA publications:
  • 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Information for Transportation Agencies [PDF]
  • Road Weather Management: Preparing for a Solar Eclipse [PDF]
  • Weather-Savvy Roads: Wyoming Department of Transportation Total Solar Eclipse [PDF]
• NOCoE Solar Eclipse Resources