A four-day ban on oversized loads is being implemented in Nebraska to prepare for a potential increase in traffic due to the upcoming total eclipse.
According to the Nebraska State Patrol, the ban will not allow oversized loads to move in or through the entire state of Nebraska from sunset on August 18th through sunrise on August 22nd.
This rare total solar eclipse of the sun is expected to occur on August 21st, and has not happened since 1979.
Because this rare total solar eclipse will only be viewable in certain places such as Nebraska, the state expects an increase in traffic in the days surrounding the event. Nebraska is instating the ban as a safety precaution in preparation for more heavily congested roads.
The restriction applies to all oversized loads that are over-dimensional but does not apply to loads that are only overweight.
The Nebraska State Patrol had this to say about the ban:
“The Total Eclipse will bring plenty of extra folks to Nebraska. NSP is working with NDOT to ease congestion by making some additional restrictions for oversized, permitted vehicles. We appreciate your patience during this time and further urge drivers to plan ahead and be prepared for this delay as well as other delays surrounding the total eclipse.”
If drivers have any questions about the ban, they are asked to call the Nebraska DOT Oversize/Overweight Truck Permits line at 402-471-0034 or the Nebraska State Patrol Carrier Enforcement Division 402-471-0105.