Solar Eclipse Traffic Report

UPDATE: Tuesday, August 22

Here are the preliminary numbers of total cars traveling to and through Idaho for the 2017 Solar Eclipse: Our traffic counters near the state borders counted 449,530 cars entering the state between August 18 and August 21. This number was an increase of 71,140 during that same time frame last year when 361,270 cars were counted entering Idaho at those same locations. ITD estimates more than 160,000 visitors came from out of state for the event (see methodology below).

The bulk of the visitors came from Utah and Oregon. Areas where the traffic was busiest include I-15 between Utah and Idaho Falls, US-93 near Craters of the Moon, US-20 near Arco, ID-95 from Payette to Riggins, and ID-55 north of Eagle.

Many locations in the mountains saw a steady stream of increased traffic throughout the weekend, up until the morning of the eclipse. Monday morning, routes along the I-15 corridor saw the biggest spike for day-of traffic. Travel home did cause congestion along the above routes. Most of that cleared up by 5:00 p.m. Monday, though congestion lingered on I-15 until 9:30 p.m.

ITD experienced an increase in visitors to our online resources, including the eclipse web page and blog posts. Total unique visitors to these pages is 82,000.

Traffic Counter Location†	2017 Eclipse Traffic‡	2016 Comparison§	% Traffic Change
Banks-Lowman Hwy	7850	6220	+26%
I-15, Pocatello (Exit 63)*	112720	85840	+31%
I-15, Dubois (near MT)*	24210	17120	+41%
I-15 Blackfoot (Exit 98)	129280	106430	+21%
I-84, W. of Caldwell (Ext 13)*	116800	100740	+16%
I-86, btw Twin Falls and American Falls (Exit 15)	35650	36590	-3%
ID-21, Robie Creek	17610	14490	+22%
ID-33, WY Border*	33610	31610	+6%
ID-55, Eagle	56220	51000	+10%
ID-55, Banks	30330	30200	+0%
ID-75, N. of Shoshone	19110	16250	+18%
ID-75, N. of Hailey	60880	56990	+7%
US-20, NE of Ashton*	37870	35570	+6%
US-20, W. of Idaho Falls	9950	9720	+2%
US-20/26, E. of Arco	19080	12320	+55%
US-30, W. of Lava Hot Springs	27510	27860	-1%
US-91, UT Border*	35960	32210	+12%
US-93, Craters of the Moon	15080	7900	+91%
US-93, NV Border (S. Rogerson)*	24260	19280	+26%
US-95, N. of Salmon River Bridge*	15840	11810	+34%
US-95, Fruitland*	48260	44210	+9%

* Site used to calculate out of state visitors

† For an interactive map of the traffic counter locations, click here.

‡ Counts ran from 11:00am 08/17/17 to Noon 08/21/17.

§ Counts ran from 11:00am 08/15/16 to Noon 08/19/16

Visitor Methodology

This number is meant only to be an estimate of visitors to Idaho for the 2017 solar eclipse and is not intended to be authoritative. ITD’s method for estimating visitor numbers took the change in traffic count from 2016 to 2017 at border locations (marked with *), multiplied by 2.5 people per average vehicle, minus 5% for local traffic. This method does not capture the number of visitors who may have flown into Idaho via commercial flights or backcountry airstrips.

Traveling for the Eclipse? Don’t start a wildfire

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to travel to Idaho to view the August 21 solar eclipse – right in the middle of fire season. The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has some simple tips to avoid accidentally starting a wildfire during your road trip.

The majority of wildfires in Idaho are started by us humans. Driving in your car can be the source of several ways those fires start, whether it’s hanging metal hitting the road or throwing out lit cigarettes.

Here are four things to do while you’re on the road to see the solar eclipse:

Before leaving, look under your car and check for hanging parts. Mufflers often get knocked loose and can hang low to the ground. If you see something hanging down, tie it up. These parts can skip on pavement and shower sparks on grasses alongside the roadway.
If you are towing a trailer or camper, ensure safety chains are fastened and not dragging. Bumps in the road can cause hanging chains to hit the ground and spark.
Don’t drive or park on tall grass. The exterior of your engine or exhaust can get up to 2,800°F. Contact with dry grass can easily start a fire. See this video PSA from U.S. Forest Service.
Don’t throw out lit cigarettes. When you’re done with a cigarette, make sure the end is completely put out and cool to the touch. Otherwise, you’re throwing a small fire onto a big pile of tinder.

ITD hopes everyone traveling to see the eclipse has a fun and safe time. By checking your car before you leave and making smart choices on the road, you can help ensure this experience stays wildfire free.