No oversize or overweight loads permitted in Wyoming Aug 20-22
Notes for the solar eclipse
by Pinedale Online!
July 27, 2017
The Wyoming Highway Patrol reports that no oversize/overweight loads will be permitted in/through Wyoming from Sunday, August 20th through Tuesday, August 22nd. Oversized loads cannot travel during that time period even with a permit in hand.
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 in a diagonal across the state. In the days ahead of the eclipse and just after, high volumes of visitor traffic are expected in Wyoming. Many lodging establishments along the viewing path have been booked well in advance for that weekend. Anyone still looking for lodging should contact the local Chamber of Commerce for updates on local availability.
Wyoming Highway Patrol encourages people to arrive early at their viewing destinations and stay late to avoid potential traffic congestion.
Other tips:
• Be prepared for distracted drivers
• Traffic volumes are expected to create travel congestion
• Note that cell phone reception may be limited or not available in some areas
• No parking is permitted along the highways.
Law enforcement authorities have commented they believe food and fuel may become limited during eclipse weekend along the viewing path. Residents are encouraged to fuel up the tanks of their vehicles ahead of time and stock up on the food they will want during that time as store shelves may become depleted. Ice may also become in short supply. Travelers are encouraged to have their supplies in advance before traveling through the eclipse route as some things may become out of stock at local stores in the eclipse viewing area.
Visitors who will be going into the Wyoming forests and undeveloped areas are reminded that the mountains of western Wyoming are bear county. Both grizzly and black bears inhabit many parts of the area. Campers should be bear aware, carry bear spray, and keep meticulously clean campsites. Teach kids to not leave out food, packaging wrappers, and to be aware of their surroundings. Keep pets under control at all times, and be aware they can attract bears to your campsite. Please "pack it in and pack it out" for your litter, and it is appreciated if thoughtful people would pick up the litter that may be left behind by others to keep our landscape clean. Please be very careful about fire. Keep some water by your campfire. Make sure campfires are completely doused and out before leaving them. Be careful with cigarettes. Also be aware that wildfires can be started from the exhaust of idling vehicles over dry grass. It’s a good idea to carry a shovel and a bucket in your vehicle if you’re planning on being in the back country. Have a good spare tire and working jack in your vehicle – our back roads can be rough and flat tires common if you go off the main roads. Carry a first aid kit. You may be the first responder with no cell phone coverage to reach outside help in case of emergency.
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