Viewing Areas:
City viewing sites are filling up. The River Walk is at capacity, and Broadway is very congested. At this time, city parks still have room for viewing, but they are filling up quickly. We are advising locals and guests to walk or bike to the park, if possible. Motorists are reminded to use caution as there are more pedestrians and bikes on the sidewalks and roadways.
Freeman Park is at 60 percent capacity, Community Park is at 60 percent, and Tautphaus Park is at 40 percent capacity. We have noted travelers on foot alongside the exits. We are reminding travelers not to stop along the exits, interstates and highways, but rather find a city park, large parking lot or other areas for safe parking and viewing.
Camping Areas:
South Tourist Park is full. The reserved campsites at Sandy Downs are sold out, but there is still room for campers coming in, but we still have a lot of people coming in so they will most likely fill up quickly. We are no longer taking online reservations at Sandy Downs. However, we are taking reservations at the gate. Cash and check only.
Traffic is beginning to stack up from Shelley to Idaho Falls. Idaho State Police and Idaho Falls Police Department are controlling the Grandview intersection and portions of it is closed. The light has been programmed green in one direction in attempts to keep traffic flowing from I-15 to Hwy 20.
Communication channels do not appear to be hampered at this point. Currently, there are no issues with internet, cell phone or radio communications. The Idaho Falls Eclipse Call Center has proved to be beneficial as the call volume into the center increased significantly by 8:00 a.m. today.
For those looking for events in Idaho Falls today, the Museum of Idaho and Melaleuca Field are offering events. More events are listed on the www.eieclipse.com website.
Viewing glasses are still available at the Visitor’s Center on River Parkway and at the Museum of Idaho at 200 N. Eastern Avenue. All Fire Stations in Idaho Falls have viewing glasses as well.
Media Note: For more information or to schedule an interview with city staff, contact Public Information Officer, Kerry Hammon at (208) 821-6321.
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