Travel on State Road 45/46 will be reduced to one lane between North Kinser Pike and Arlington Road in Bloomington starting on Tuesday, April 9, the day after the eclipse.
The reduction in lanes is part of an improvement project, patching the road, according to the Indiana Department of Transportation. It will start by closing the inside lane of both east- and west-moving traffic. Initial work will finish Monday, April 15.
An estimated 300,000 people will travel to Bloomington April 8 for the total solar eclipse.
Visit Bloomington director Mike McAfee said residents should expect some eclipse attendees to still be in the area April 9, which will probably slow traffic, given the influx of people.
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In a statement, he encouraged people to plan accordingly and give themselves extra time to commute between April 5 and 9.
The stretch of State Road 45/46 set for work is less than a mile. Its annual average daily traffic is approximately 29,100 vehicles, according to the Indiana Department of Transportation Data Management System.
In an email, INDOT public relations director Sidney Nierman said drivers should use 511IN.org or the INDOT TrafficWise app before to travelling for the eclipse. On the website or app, people will be able to see planned roadway restrictions and unplanned traffic incidents on state highways and interstates.
Nierman added INDOT scheduled projects in busy areas to start after the eclipse to prevent congestion on April 8.
INDOT expects many travelers to leave on the same day as the eclipse. For those traveling for the eclipse, Nierman advised people to arrive early, stay put, and leave late.
