Solar Eclipse Could Cause Traffic Headaches in Charlotte area

CHARLOTTE, NC – The looming solar eclipse could cause traffic headaches across the Charlotte area Monday. More than two million people are expected to pass through our area on their way to the total eclipse zone.

“Me and my family, we’re gonna be there with our glasses on. And we’re gonna have a good time,” says West Charlotte resident Rachelle Gethers.

Gethers is getting ready for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “Don’t know what to expect. Kind of the unknown,” she says.

NCDOT is preparing for the unknown as well. “It’s something we’re taking very seriously because we expect to see a lot of cars coming,” explains Jen Thompson, with NCDOT.

She says be prepared for heavy traffic as early as your Monday morning commute, specially if you’re coming into Charlotte on I-77 or I-85 south.

“There’s gonna be a lot of people probably coming through who aren’t from this area and they’re not going to be familiar with where to go,” Thompson says.

If you’re going to an eclipse watch party, NCDOT recommends leaving home early and then staying put. “Don’t wait until Monday to figure out where you want to be because then I think you’re already behind the curve,” Thompson says.

North Carolina Highway Patrol will send 23 extra troopers to the total eclipse zone. Expect to see more troopers in Charlotte as well.

They’ll be along the interstates, to make sure people are driving safely, and not stopping on the side of the road. Of course, don’t wear your eclipse glasses while driving.

Gethers says now she just has to make her final plans.

“I don’t even know where we’re gonna watch the eclipse at, but I’m gonna try to find some good spots,” she says.