Some Vermont towns along the path of totality for the April 8 eclipse are closing roads to control traffic, limit mud-season damage, and create space for parking.
In Underhill, for example, two roads — Mountain Road and Stevensville Road — will only be open to local travel on the day of the eclipse, said Town Administrator Brad Holden, in order to discourage people from climbing Mount Mansfield at a time when the trails are vulnerable and emergency resources are strained.
“Even if hiking was allowed in April, which it’s not, the facilities aren’t large enough to accept lots of people,” Holden said.
Here are some of the road closures related to the eclipse that communities have announced. As you make your plans, it's best to check with local officials for guidance on road closures.
Brandon
Parts of Carver Street, Short Swamp Road and Long Swamp Road will close on April 8. Stone Mill Dam Road may close, depending on conditions. High Pond Road will remain open.
Burlington
The state’s most populous city is turning a portion of Route 127 into a controlled parking zone on Monday, April 8, with shuttles taking visitors to and from Main Street starting at noon. The beltline will be closed from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and parking begins at 11 a.m. and costs $30.
Park Street and some of the roads abutting it, as well as Battery Street, Lake Street and lower College Street near the waterfront, will also be closed from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Parking will also be available at 345 Pine Street from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. for $30. ADA-accessible parking is available at the Pease Lot near Waterfront Park. You can find more information here.
Duxbury
Camel’s Hump Road will only be open to local traffic from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 7 and Monday, April 8 to discourage visitors from traveling to Camel’s Hump State Park.
More: Eclipse-watchers urged to stay off muddy trails, mountains
Huntington
Camel’s Hump Road will be open only to local traffic from Sunday, April 7 at 9 a.m. to Monday, April 8 at 4 p.m. This will be staffed and enforced, said Huntington Town Administrator Adam Argo.
Montpelier
On April 8, State Street between Taylor Street and Bailey Avenue, Cliff Street and Winter Street will be open to local traffic only. Hubbard Park will also be closed to vehicle traffic.
Richmond
Esplanade Street, which runs parallel to Volunteers' Green, will be closed on Monday, April 8 as the town anticipates a large number of people to gather on the green.
Shelburne
Harbor Road east of Shelburne Farms to the village will be closed from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 8. Only vehicles heading east into Shelburne Village will be affected.
St. Johnsbury
A portion of Church Street and Main Street in front of the Fairbanks Museum will close from noon to 5 p.m. Monday, April 8.
South Burlington
On Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6, Market Street between Dorset Street and City Hall will close at 1 p.m. and reopen at night. It will be open the day of the eclipse.
Underhill
Mountain Road and Stevensville Road will be restricted to local traffic only on the day of the eclipse.
Waterbury
River Road to the Ice Center will be closed overnight Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7 to prevent overnight parking. No road closures are planned for the eclipse specifically, but some roads may still be restricted due to mud season.
Have questions, comments or tips? Send us a message.
More eclipse resources
- See our eclipse liveblog for the latest updates.
- Watch our half-hour educational TV special, "Path to Totality."
- See our interactive map of the eclipse path.
- Plan for road closures around the state.
- Get updates on the weather forecast for Monday.
- Emergency management officials share travel and communication tips.
- Where to find eclipse glasses.
- Learning guides for preK-12 educators.
- Details on our live event in St. Johnsbury and other events around the state.
See all of Vermont Public's 2024 eclipse coverage.
