Some border crossings beef up staffing for eclipse, warn travellers not to stop and snap pics
Officials say it's 'strictly prohibited' to slow or stop vehicles to take eclipse photos
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 of 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 said 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."
Much of southwestern Ontario will see a total solar eclipse on Monday from about 1:58 p.m. to 4:28 p.m. ET — with totality taking place between 3:12 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.
The city of Windsor won't be in the path of totality, but is expected to 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 said, there 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."
Windsor, Detroit crossings increase staffing
Ambassador Bridge officials say they'll have more people patrolling the borders the day of the eclipse.
Vice-president Kenneth Dobson, with the Detroit International Bridge Company, said 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, said 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, more people will be working than usual in case there's an uptick in border crossers or something unexpected during the celestial event, he said.
"Additional staff will be available on both the U.S. and Canadian plazas to assist motorists as needed."
Will the Gordie Howe bridge work be affected?
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 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" Monday morning "so staff understand the associated risks and can take the necessary precautions."
