April 8 | Noon update from Vt. Emergency Management
April 8, 2024 | By Waterbury Roundabout Officials at the Vermont Emergency Operations Center in Waterbury issued an Eclipse Day update at noon today.
Spots in front of fire stations are never parking places. Photo by Gordon Miller
Public safety, transportation, and other state personnel are monitoring traffic and other conditions around Vermont. Currently, traffic volumes are building with welcome centers seeing a sharp increase in visits, they said.
Interstate rest areas that do not have permanent facilities have been equipped with port-o-let toilets. This includes the two pull-offs in Waterbury along I-89 northbound and southbound; also in Coventry along Interstate 91 north and south, Bradford on I-91 south, and Westminster I-91 south.
The Agency of Transportation Information Communications Center is monitoring real-time traffic and updating the website newengland511.org. Local road closures that are reported are available on the Waze app and at vem.vermont.gov/eclipse.
As of noon, the Agency of Transportation reports the following:
Traffic is moving, but there are delays on Interstate 89 northbound at Waterbury Exit 10. Also on I-91 northbound between Putney (Exit 4) and Westminster (Exit 5), and on I-89 northbound between Sharon (Exit 2) and Bethel/Royalton (Exit 3). Delays are expected to shift northward as time progresses.
Reminders for safety and crowds:
Use eclipse glasses when looking at the sun. Make sure your glasses are ISO certified with the number 12312-2.
Do not park illegally; it could hinder access for emergency vehicles.
Do not trespass onto private property.
Avoid Vermont’s hiking trails —they are closed.
Stay out of the water. Lakes, rivers, and streams are extremely cold.
Be patient. Now and in the immediate aftermath of the eclipse.
Gas up and have snacks in the car. You could sit on the interstate for hours.
Don’t depend on online apps for navigation.
Avoid closed roads. It’s mud season. Closed roads are closed for your benefit.