Look: Hour-by-hour Northern Ohio traffic predictions during eclipse

If you plan to drive somewhere in Northern Ohio during Monday’s eclipse event, you should leave early and plan for some extra time when going home.

Traffic is expected to be extremely heavy throughout the state, especially in totality areas and on major access highways into and out of the state. Traffic could remain heavy into Tuesday.

The Ohio Department of Transportation has released maps charting estimated hour-by-hour traffic congestion along major interstates for the day of the moon shadow.

Traffic estimates have been compiled for four scenarios, based on the number of people visiting Ohio to view the eclipse.  Scenario 1 estimates 150,000 visitors.  Scenario 2 estimates 350,000 visitors.  Scenario 3 estimates 575,000 visitors.  Scenario 4 estimates 575,000 visitors plus 50,000 extra to Hancock & Hardin counties.

21 News has captured images of maps (See below) for predicted hourly traffic between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Some of the heaviest traffic is predicted along Interstate 77 between Cleveland and Canton and Interstate 490 south of Cleveland.

Here in the Valley, the heaviest traffic is predicted after the total eclipse along the Ohio Turnpike and Interstate 76.  

Heavy traffic from the Meander Reservoir to the Pennsylvania State Line is still predicted along the Ohio Turnpike. By 7 p.m. it is estimated that traffic will ease somewhat.

The maps do not include traffic predictions along State Route 11 between Ashtabula and East Liverpool.

ODOT's OHGO App can be downloaded for current live traffic information and highway cameras.