Eclipse Planning - Emergency Management Bulletin - April 5, 2024
Middlebury Emergency Management Bulletin
April 5, 2024
As the moon and sun begin organizing themselves for the eclipse on Monday, we want to ensure our efforts are just as well organized.
Traffic Congestion and Soft, Squishy Surfaces
As though mother nature is pointing a spotlight toward Vermont, most of the eclipse corridor from southwest Texas to New York west of the Adirondacks is forecast to experience considerable cloud cover, with random breaks. The big clear spot is eastern New York, VERMONT, New Hampshire and Maine. The ramification of this, of course, is that eclipse followers will descend on northern New England (to wit: Vermont).
Expect heavier than usual traffic, perhaps akin to a Phish concert. Expect travel delays. The next 4 days is a great chance to exercise patience and consideration toward fellow “umbraphiles”, “shadow chasers” and “lovers of the shadow”. We ask people to please consider surface conditions prior to glancing skyward - the recent snow event has left our gravel roads soft and wet. Creek Road and Three Mile Bridge Road may have to be closed due to anticipated high water from snowmelt. Avoid Munger Street, Happy Valley Road, Cobble Road as viewing spots to avoid damaging the road surface. High Street between Rte 7 and Stewart Lane will be closed to through traffic as will Springside Drive.
We ask viewers not to block travel lanes, and be considerate of resident’s property - unpaved roadsides will be soft and easily damaged. Avoid parking on private property without permission.
As has been stated previously, ensure your vehicles are topped off with fuel (gas or electric) as movement in and out of the northeast may be hampered by congestion; keep your cell phones charged.
Middlebury Police officers will be posted throughout the town to ensure emergency routes remain open. Their priority is public safety and emergency response.
Follow https://www.townofmiddlebury.org/ for more information on scheduled events and updated bulletins.
Interim Emergency Management Director, Tom Hanley
