Belleville Emergency Services seeking public assistance during “Total Solar Eclipse”

City staff, the Belleville Police Service, Belleville Fire and Hastings-Quinte EMS are requesting the public’s assistance on April 8^th, throughout the day of the total solar eclipse to ensure everyone’s safety and accessibility throughout the city. 

The city of Belleville is anticipating an influx of traffic flow which may lead to traffic delays and even gridlock.  It is imperative that traffic routes remain open for emergency vehicles to help ensure not only safe viewing events but a smooth operation should a critical emergency arise. 

Community residents are encouraged to view the eclipse from their neighbourhoods to avoid traffic delays and unnecessary travel. If traveling is a necessity, plan ahead and leave additional time for travel.  Please do not stop on the roadway or park along the street to view the eclipse.  Find a suitable parking lot or designated viewing area. 

Please respect all emergency vehicles with their lights on maintaining a safe distance whether parked or in motion.  Remember that calling 911 is meant for emergencies and not for general inquiries.  It’s important that dispatchers and 911 lines remain free for true emergencies.

Police will be monitoring traffic throughout the city however will be focusing on designated routes to ensure they remain unobstructed for emergency vehicles.  The routes are:

• Bell Blvd across the Veterans Memorial Bridge, Cannifton Road, Emily St. and Bleecker Ave.
• Dundas St. – East and West as this is a priority route to the Belleville General Hospital
• Wallbridge Loyalist Road from Highway 2 to the 401

Anyone attending Zwicks Park to view the solar eclipse is encouraged to familiarize themselves with the traffic safety plan and lane restrictions. 

Entry into Zwicks Park will only be permitted for vehicles travelling southbound on Bay Bridge Road.  Following the eclipse, vehicles exiting Zwicks Park will travel under the Bay Bridge and exit the park on the east side by the traffic lights.  Exit will be a right turn only at the lights.  (see below picture)

The city of Belleville including Emergency Services has cooperatively worked together in preparing for the solar eclipse event and will be ready to support the needs of our community.