The Eclipse: Going to be interesting at the end of the day to see how we behaved as a society.

By Staff

April 8^th, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

The Eclipse is not the only big deal on Monday.

Getting to the point you want to be at to watch the eclipse just might be the challenge.

More than a million people were being projected to arrive in Niagara Falls.  GO transit has laid on additional trains making those trains 12 cars long.

GO transit has added extra trips added to the Lakeshore West line from Union Station to Niagara Falls with trains scheduled to depart at 9:02 a.m., 10:02 a.m. and 11:02 a.m. Trips are also being added and modified on the Lakeshore West line from Niagara Falls to Union Station. Return trips from Niagara Falls set to depart at 4:24 p.m., 4:54 p.m., 7:21 p.m. and 10:51 p.m.

What might this mean to traffic on the 400 roads?  The much-anticipated eclipse on Monday could mean heavy congestion for travellers in and out of Toronto, Niagara, Hamilton and other southern Ontario cities and towns.

Is this what traffic is going to look like today?

People are being asked NOT to try taking pictures of the eclipse from their car while driving.  NOT to pull over and take pictures.  The objective is to keep traffic moving – and the traffic load is expected to be much bigger during the half hour either side of the eclipse.

Drivers are advised to not — under any circumstances — stop on the highway to marvel at the celestial phenomenon. Don’t pull over to the shoulder, don’t leave your vehicle. Just turn on your headlights in the reduced lighting and continue at a safe speed.

“We’re reminding all drivers to obey the laws, and only stop or park where it’s legal and safe to do so,” the ministry said.

Is Pelee Island going to be the best place in the province to experience the eclipse?

The Niagara Region and Pelee Island are expected to experience heavy traffic.

Is the CN Tower the place to be to best experience the eclipse?

Is there a special deal on being in the CN Tower?  Reservations are no longer being taken.

Plan ahead and consider options such as carpooling or taking public transit.”

The ministry of transportation said its working to co-ordinate highway closures and detours, and is liaising with ONroutes highway rest areas about the potential need to prepare for large crowds.

VIA Rail trips between Toronto and Niagara on Monday’s eclipse day were sold out well in advance, even after the company added 50 extra seats per trip, on top of the regular 150.

Train operations are not impacted by the eclipse and no unusual congestion is expected since locomotives are well equipped to block out the sun.

Going to be interesting at the end of the day to see how we behave as a society.