Kentucky, Indiana communities using knowledge gained from 2017 eclipse to plan for this year's April 8 event

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- After months of anticipation, the solar eclipse is only days away, and thousands will be traveling to their destination of choice to view the event.

Seymour, Indiana, is one of the towns in the path of totality. Thousands upon thousands of people are expected to descend on the small town for the chance to experience the total solar eclipse in person. It will be a dream come true for many but could also lead to a traffic headache for others.

"It is exciting," said John Watson, assistant chief of the Seymour Police Department. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see an eclipse but also to test our resources, to see if we actually are prepared, what we can learn from it and make ourselves better."

Many still vividly remember the 2017 solar eclipse, and the knowledge from that event is helping agencies like the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet prepare for this year's eclipse.

"As the eclipse traffic moved out — just minutes after the totality was over — people hit the highways, and that's where we saw a lot of congestion, a lot of backups," KYTC spokesperson Allen Blair said Friday.

Blair suggests travelers wait and stay a while after the eclipse to avoid everyone getting back on the road instantly.

"Our best advice is come early (and) stay late," he said. "Avoid that traffic rush right after the eclipse."

Even if people don't choose the commonwealth as their viewing destination, Blair said there could be as many as 1 million visitors come through the state.

He said KYTC will have messages boards on roads and plans to divert traffic, if needed.

"Where possible, we have tried to restrict some of our work zones and open them up a little bit more, especially for eclipse day," Blair said. "There are places we cannot do that, so the Sherman Minton, and I think east of the Gene Synder is still two-lane. So we won't be able to change that. So that's another reason we ask people to come early."

Watson said Seymour is prepared, saying all hands of the police department are "on deck."

Watson said the town's police force will be out patrolling the streets, on foot and in vehicles, to monitor traffic flow. As of Friday morning, Watson said there weren't too many visitors in town — yet.

"We have not noticed much yet," Watson said. "I have seen a few campers come through town, heading westbound, which there are some campgrounds west of the city limits."

Watson said he expects many visitors to begin arriving over the weekend.

Seymour has 46 sworn officers who are now preparing to for crowds of around 100,000 people.

Indiana State Police will be monitoring the Interstate 65 corridor, which is expected to be crowded after the eclipse ends. Watson also suggests packing extra food, water and filling up on gas before traveling.

WDRB News will be live in Seymour, Indiana, starting at 2 p.m. Monday on air and on WDRB+. WDRB Solar Eclipse glasses are still available at area Scooters Coffee locations. You can get five free pairs with any purchase of a specialty drink or Scoot Energy while supplies last. You can also buy additional pairs for $2 each. A portion of the money will go to the Kentucky Science Center.

To look at an eclipse "how to" guide from the state's visitor's bureau, including safety tips and more, click here. The state also has an official website for the eclipse with resources, safety tips, travel, and places to watch the eclipse. To check it out, click here.

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