While many communities plan to celebrate the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, officials in Ohio have announced plans to keep people safe as the moon's shadow cuts a 124-mile-wide swath across the state.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has signed an executive order directing all state departments and agencies to be ready and prepared to ensure the health and safety of all Ohioans and visitors during the eclipse. 

According to the order, the Ohio Emergency Management Agency is coordinating the state's preparation and response to the event all law enforcement agencies are prepared to respond with the necessary personnel and resources to assist local law enforcement in protecting local communities.

The OEMA suggests that motorists traveling during the eclipse have topped their vehicles off. People should also have an emergency communication plan with their families in case they get separated at a gathering.

Be cautious of the weather before heading out and activate emergency alert features on your mobile device.

According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, the eclipse is being treated like a major holiday event and is restricting roadwork and reducing the size of active work zones to accommodate the extra traffic.

Near the valley. that means road work in the Akron Metro area on I-76, I77, and State Route 8.

Roads are expected to be congested before the eclipse as travelers arrive at their viewing locations. However, the worst traffic congestion is expected to happen after the event is completed as everyone tries to head home simultaneously.

Additionally, portable message signs will be placed at various locations along the toll road to keep travelers informed about traffic incidents, and driving conditions, or to provide other roadway safety messages.

Ohio Turnpike officials say they plan to treat the day of the eclipse as they would any other peak travel day. The Turnpike’s toll booths, service plazas, and maintenance buildings across the toll road will be staffed in anticipation of a high-volume traffic event.

The Ohio Turnpike will be monitored 24 hours a day by tow truck operators patrolling the toll road and providing roadside assistance to stranded motorists.

To keep traffic flowing as smoothly as possible, lane closures, typically set for construction work zones and other maintenance projects, will not be permitted on the Ohio Turnpike before, during, or after the eclipse.

Currently, a work zone was set for the Tinkers Creek bridge project both eastbound and westbound on the Ohio Turnpike at milepost 185.6 in Summit County. Two of the three lanes will be open in both directions.

The Ohio Turnpike’s 14 service plazas will be open 24 hours a day as usual. Participating restaurants at the Ohio Turnpike's service plazas will extend
their hours of operation and increase staffing and supplies; and gasoline and diesel fuel deliveries will be increased.

Only 21 total solar eclipses have crossed the lower 48 states during the existence of the United States of America. The last total solar eclipse visible in Ohio was in 1806, and the next total solar eclipse will not pass through Ohio until the year 2099.