The Wyoming Patrol has implemented a 3-day ban in preparation for increased traffic throughout the state due to the upcoming solar eclipse.
The ban will begin on Sunday, August 20th throughout the entire state of Wyoming and will last until Tuesday, August 22nd.
The ban includes all kind of oversize loads, including both over dimensional and overweight loads.
The Wyoming Patrol says that any kind of oversized load “cannot travel during that time period even with a permit in hand.”
This is the second state to implement this kind of ban this week, as Nebraska has temporarily banned all over-dimensional loads.
Some travel congestion throughout the state is expected during the 3 days time, especially along Interstate 25.
State officials say there is a potential for food and fuel shortages, along with limited cell phone service. WHP urged drivers to plan ahead and also warned that parking is not permitted on the side of any highways.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol wrote the following warning on Facebook:
The Wyoming Patrol would like to inform you of the following information as the 2017 Solar Eclipse event quickly approaches.
The eclipse will take place on Monday, August 21st. It will start traveling through Wyoming at Grand Teton National Park around 11:35 a.m. MST and follow the path on the map shown below.
No oversize/overweight loads will be permitted in/through WY Sunday, August 20th through Tuesday, August 22nd, 2017. Oversized loads cannot travel during that time period even with a permit in hand.
• Be prepared for distracted drivers
• Traffic volumes are expected to create travel congestion particularly along I-25
• Food and fuel are likely to be limited- Plan accordingly before traveling through the eclipse route.Cell phone coverage may also be limited and no parking is permitted along the highways.
We encourage you to arrive early and stay late to avoid potential traffic congestion.