Planning for traffic

Planning for traffic Subhead Clifton police, Bosque OEM share prep tips ahead of solar eclipse Nathan Diebenow Wed, 02/28/2024 - 05:48 Image

• Clifton Police Chief Chris Blanton (center) recently led an informational meeting about preparations for the solar eclipse over Cliffon coming this April. Nathan Diebenow | The Clifton Record

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The Clifton Police Department and Bosque County Office of Emergency Management shared tips and advice for residents and merchants preparing for the possible large influx of outof- town visitors for the total solar eclipse this coming April.

The information session with representatives from other local healthcare and first-responder groups happened on Tuesday evening, February 20, in the cafeteria at Clifton High School.

Bosque County Emergency Management Coordinator Kirk Turner stated that he is treating the event like a “mass casualty incident” in slow motion.

Turner explained that the first wave of visitors will likely begin arriving in Bosque County on Tuesday, April 2, or Wednesday, April 3. The last remaining visitors will perhaps leave the area by the following Wednesday, April 10, he estimated.

Turner said that he expected one set of visitors to spend their time socializing at bed-and-breakfasts, hotels and motels, and campsites in the area over the weekend leading up to the eclipse on Monday, April 8.

On the day of the eclipse, another round of visitors will likely drive their vehicles into the county from neighboring areas to experience the Moon’s shadow in person, he said.

Turner said that after the eclipse ends, these daydrivers will probably return to their original locations at the same time, causing traffic jams across state highways and county roads for several hours.

Turner advised Bosque County residents to refrain from high-risk behaviors, such as trimming trees, that might cause falls or accidents during this week-long period, especially on the day of the eclipse, because of the limited availability of first responders and ambulances.

Turner said he requested from the State of Texas for two air ambulances and an ambulance strike team, but he admitted he didn’t expect his request to be granted.

Goodall-Witcher Healthcare’s Director of Operations Rustin Qualls said that the staff in the emergency room in Clifton will double in size on the day of the eclipse. However, the staff at the clinic in Clifton will not hold appointments for patients on Monday, April 8, he said.

Clifton Police Chief Chris Blanton said that since he did not know what to expect, he advised residents to stay home on the day of the eclipse on Monday, April 8.

Blanton echoed Turner’s concerns over traffic, noting that North Bosque Emergency Medical Services will have four ambulances in operation in the entire county during the weekend. The local EMS service usually has three ambulances in its fleet, the police chief said.

Clifton ISD recently decided to cancel classes on Monday out of caution for student safety on school buses in possible traffic jams after the eclipse ends at around 3 p.m.

Speaking as the Clifton Volunteer Fire Department’s Public Information Officer, Blanton said that the Clifton VFD will staff its station with volunteers the day of the eclipse.

Bosque County Sheriff Trace Hendricks explained that he and his officers are also concerned about keeping the state highways and county roads clear for emergency services.

Sheriff Hendricks advised that property owners in the country should lock their gates and mend their fences to prevent unauthorized vehicles from trespassing on their property during the eclipse event.

The sheriff noted that day-trippers could likely park in bar ditches off state and county roads to catch the eclipse.

The sheriff and emergency management coordinator also advised property owners to consult with their insurance agents prior to leasing or renting their property to out-oftown visitors.

Clifton City Administrator David McDowell said that the City of Clifton, including the Clifton Main Street program, will not host any entertainment-type event that day.

Instead, visitors will be directed to park their vehicles near the Clifton Rodeo Arena at the Central Texas Fair Grounds and walk to Clifton City Park to view the eclipse.

Pending Clifton City Council’s approval, the Clifton City Hall is considering hiring 10 more temporary officers to add to the department’s current eight for the day of the eclipse, McDowell said.

Blanton noted that the local police department will prioritize calls based upon the level of emergency during that week-long period.

He reminded the public that visitors can still park their vehicles in front of houses on the city streets within the city limits.

The Clifton City Council has already okayed the rental of 20 portable restrooms for distribution within the city limits. The public restrooms in the city’s public parks will be open for use the day of the eclipse.

During a questionand- answer period, Turner suggested that local merchants consider limiting their store’s foot traffic inside should they be overwhelmed with customers during the weekend.

Blanton repeated that local civic, non-profit, and church groups can send information about their possible events to the Clifton Chamber of Commerce, who will distribute the plans to local media as well as through social media.

A second public meeting for the Clifton PD to share information and possible updates regarding preparations for the eclipse is scheduled for Tuesday, March 5, at 6 p.m. in the Clifton High School cafeteria.