This photo taken Sunday May 20, 2012 at 7:23 p.m. shows the Annular eclipse from "Nine Mile Hill” on Atrisco Vista Boulevard in Albuquerque, N.M. (AP Photo/The New Mexican, Clyde Mueller)
This photo taken Sunday May 20, 2012 at 7:23 p.m. shows the Annular eclipse from "Nine Mile Hill” on Atrisco Vista Boulevard in Albuquerque, N.M. (AP Photo/The New Mexican, Clyde Mueller)Clyde Mueller

With much eclipse hype, motorists should expect heavy traffic this week because of tourists traveling to the Four Corners to observe the path of “totality.”

According to a news release, motorists need to plan for excessive traffic volumes in the Four Corners, most notably on U.S. Highway 160, U.S. Highway 491 and Colorado Highway 184 since Dove Creek, Dolores, Mesa Verde National Park and Cortez are prime destinations for viewing.

Traffic is predicted to increase on Thursday and Friday with a considerable rise on Saturday.

CDOT encourages motorists to be aware of slowing down and pulling over vehicles Saturday morning during the event.

The partial eclipse begins around 9:11 a.m. Mountain time and concludes at 12:04 p.m. The maximum annularity, when the moon covers the sun with maximal coverage, happens about 10:33 a.m. for Southwest Colorado.

“This could be a significant traffic event, especially along the U.S. Highway 160 corridor from Walsenburg west to the Four Corners,” said Julie Constan, CDOT’s regional transportation director for Southwest Colorado.

Path of the annular solar eclipse drives right through the Four Corners region. Courtesy of CDOT
Path of the annular solar eclipse drives right through the Four Corners region. Courtesy of CDOTChristensen

CDOT suggests following these tips for the eclipse:

Do not park on the highway shoulder or ditches, as this can be dangerous for you and other motorists and the vehicle’s exhaust could start a grass fire.
Bring snacks, water and sunscreen to nourish you if traffic is extremely busy. Hotels and campsites are sold out and high traffic volumes are expected before and after the eclipse.
Locate safe public viewing areas. Mesa Verde National Park expects a high volume of visitors throughout the day and travelers are encouraged to monitor the park’s website for viewing and parking information.
Plan beforehand and check current road conditions on COTrip.org.
To safely view the eclipse, use eclipse glasses as they protect eyes from the sun. science.nasa.gov/eclipses/safety
Many Navajo Nation Parks and Recreations will be closed during the eclipse for cultural reasons. Investigate Four Corners destinations to view the eclipse. More closure information can be seen at the news release from the Navajo Nation.