Some border crossings beef up staffing for eclipse, warn travellers not to stop and snap pics

The Blue Water Bridge — linking Sarnia, Ont., and Port Huron, Mich., — is reminding travellers not to stop and take pics of the eclipse while on an international crossing.

“Strictly prohibited,” said spokesperson Alexandre Gauthier with the Federal Bridge Corporation.

“This includes pausing to take photographs. Our 24/7 staff is always vigilant to ensure the safety and security of all travellers.”

The international crossing says it will be business as usual the day of the rare celestial event with respect to bridge operations.

Gauthier says with the Sarnia-area only experiencing a partial eclipse — and not in the path of totality — travellers shouldn’t expect to encounter any changes.

“We do not anticipate any deviations from standard operating procedures on the day of the eclipse,” he said.

“There will be no restrictions or guidelines specifically implemented for the eclipse.”

Solar Eclipse: The journey to the path of totality

CBC Ottawa’s Matthew Kupfer travels south to the U.S., to chase the best spots to watch the solar eclipse on April 8.

Much of southwestern of Ontario will see a total solar eclipse on April 8 from about 1:58 p.m. to 4:28 p.m. — with totality taking place between 3:12 and 3:15 ET.

The city of Windsor won’t be in the path of totality, but will experience about 99.5 per cent of the eclipse. Sarnia is expected to see in the neighbourhood of 98.1 per cent.

Aside from no planned pauses during the eclipse’s peak, Gauthier says there also won’t be any additional staff on duty.

“Our experienced team is well-equipped to manage typical daily traffic flows, even during unique events such as an eclipse,” said Gauthier.

Windsor, Detroit crossings increase staffing

The Ambassador Bridge says it’s scheduling to have more people to patrol the borders the day of the eclipse.

Vice president Kenneth Dobson, with the Detroit International Bridge Company, says it’s to ensure traffic flow is not disrupted.

“We will have added staff and patrols [vehicles] to ensure traffic continues to flow safely and efficiently across the bridge,” he said.

Even at the eclipse’s peak, says Dobson, traffic approaching the bridge on either side will not be paused.

“In order to ensure the safety of our users.”

No other changes are expected, he added.

For underground international travellers, it’s also anticipated to be status quo at the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.

“We don’t anticipate any disruptions,” said Neal Belitsky, the tunnel’s chief executive officer.

However, like at the bridge in Windsor, he said more people will be working than usual in case there’s an uptick in border crossers or something unexpected during the celestial event.

“Additional staff will be available on both the U.S. and Canadian plazas to assist motorists as needed.”

Will construction continue on Gordie Howe bridge?

It’s not expected to open to travellers until late 2025, but the Gordie Howe International Bridge says ongoing construction isn’t expected to pause during the eclipse.

In a statement from the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, the plan is to continue work throughout the day on Monday.

“The safety and well-being of our workforce remains a top priority,” it said.

The solar eclipse is the subject of “daily safety meetings” and will be repeated during “toolbox talks” the morning of Apr. 8.

“So staff understand the associated risks and can take the necessary precautions.”

Surge of eclipse chasers expected in Niagara Falls

With Ontario’s Niagara Region in the path of totality for the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, communities and businesses are preparing for a surge in tourists.