The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) will stop road construction projects between August 17 and August 27 in preparation for an increased number of visitors coming to view the solar eclipse on August 21, 9News reported.

WYDOT's resident engineer, Bob Hammond said that the department's decision will make it easier for travelers to get around, Jackson Hole News & Guide reported.

“We believe traffic will start to noticeably increase above the normal summer traffic volumes a couple of days ahead of the event and be around until a couple days after the event,” Hammond said. “By shutting down highway projects that will impact travel, we hope to make it easier for the public to get to their destinations with less interruptions.”

A widening project at south Highway 89 will be closed between Aug. 17 and Aug. 23, and Hammond said that contractors in that area who continue to work during that time will be fined $10,000 a day, Jackson Hole News & Guide reported.

For more information about the eclipse, visit www.travelwyoming.com/eclipse.