LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) expects a slow trickle of out-of-state visitors on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The department has been working with other states' transportation departments for years to determine how traffic will be before and after the total solar eclipse on April 8.
ARDOT said 300,000 to 1.5 million people could visit Arkansas for the event.
ARDOT's research shows that the Little Rock metro area heading up to northwest Arkansas on Interstates 40, 49 and 65 is expected to see the most traffic.
"Any way you cut it, it's going to be crowded that day," ARDOT Spokesperson Dave Parker said. "Our roads are going to be tested."
On the day of the total solar eclipse, ARDOT crews will be in every part of Arkansas helping stranded cars and providing necessities during long waits due to backed-up traffic.
There will be crews on ATVs that can maneuver through traffic and get people water, snacks and supplies.
Additionally, construction will have a "holiday period" to help prevent delays caused by lane closures, and ARDOT will limit permits to oversized carriers.
If you're on the roads when the eclipse happens, ARDOT said to turn on your headlights when it gets dark and not pull over onto the shoulder to look at it. They also said anyone wanting to view the solar eclipse should not be driving during that time.
ARDOT recommends keeping a charged phone, water or something to drink, snacks, and any medical items in the car for prolonged backups.