NTTA Urges Drivers to Keep Moving During Upcoming Solar Eclipse
THERE GOES THE SUN…
NTTA Urges Drivers to Keep Moving During Upcoming Solar Eclipse
PLANO, Texas – April 5, 2024 – The North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) joins transportation entities across our region in asking drivers to use additional caution during the April 8 solar eclipse.
Drivers should follow these common-sense guidelines:
• Please plan to observe the eclipse in a safe area off roadways
• Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving
• Do not attempt to view the eclipse while driving
• Do not stop or park anywhere on the road or shoulder to view the eclipse
• Be prepared for additional traffic
• Be alert for distracted drivers
• Bring your patience
• Understand this is a unique situation
NTTA plans increased staffing and patrols with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers, Roadway Safety Services (RSS) and Safety Operations Center (SOC) operators, and Maintenance Department personnel. These entities will be staged across the NTTA system to react quickly to incidents.
Messages on overhead electronic signs will direct drivers to not stop on the roadway or shoulder. RSS and DPS patrols will keep traffic moving and interact with any drivers who do attempt to pull over to observe the eclipse.
As always, the SOC will monitor NTTA roads using its network of 2,000 security cameras to quickly identify and respond to safety concerns.
There are no construction lane closures planned for the duration of the eclipse.
About NTTA
The North Texas Tollway Authority, a political subdivision of the state of Texas, is authorized to acquire, construct, maintain, repair and operate turnpike projects across the North Texas region. The board of directors is comprised of Chairman Marcus Knight; Vice Chairman Mojy Haddad; and Directors Derek V. Baker, Lynn Gravley, Pete Kamp, Scott Levine, John Mahalik, George “Tex” Quesada and Glen Whitley.
NTTA is composed of member counties Dallas, Denton, Collin and Tarrant. It also serves Ellis and Johnson counties. NTTA owns and operates the Dallas North Tollway, President George Bush Turnpike, Sam Rayburn Tollway, Addison Airport Toll Tunnel, Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge, Mountain Creek Lake Bridge, Chisholm Trail Parkway, and 360 Tollway. NTTA toll projects are not a part of the state highway system and receive no legislative appropriations. Tolls are collected to repay debt and to operate and maintain the roadways.
