Ohio roads were packed as travelers from out of state rolled in for last week’s total solar eclipse.
>>RELATED: Crashes and heavy backups reported on Miami Valley roads after total solar eclipse
According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, traffic volume on Ohio roads increased by nearly 13% the day before the eclipse.
News Center 7 reported on the traffic delays on Interstate 75 after last week’s total solar eclipse. Traffic was backed up on Interstate 75 southbound at I-675 after the total solar eclipse.
On April 9, it rose almost 16%.
“This data shows that Ohio residents and visitors did what we asked of them, and it helped avoid a huge surge of traffic immediately after the eclipse,” said Jack Marchbanks, director of ODOT. “I also commend our crews for their efforts before, during and after the eclipse. It really paid off.”
One of the largest highways was on US 224 in Van Wert.
On April 8 there was an increase of more than 53%.
>>RELATED: ‘It’s exciting;’ People travel thousands of miles to view the total solar eclipse in Miami Valley
The Ohio State Highway Patrol conducted more than 16,000 traffic stops from April 5 to 9 and saw a six percent decrease in crashes.
“The success of this event was made possible not only by the dedicated efforts of our patrol personnel and fellow safety service partners, but also by the responsible actions of the motoring public,” said Col. Charles A. Jones, Patrol Superintendent. “Together we have created a safe and memorable experience for everyone.”
The entire Interstate 70 corridor saw a nearly 12% increase in traffic, ODOT said.
The data comes from more than 200 continuous traffic count stations across the state.
