BUFFALO — City of Buffalo officials and emergency planners announced today that Buffalo City Hall will be CLOSED on the day of the total solar eclipse, Monday, April 8, 2024. Out of an abundance of caution, the decision was made as part of the City’s public safety plan and continued efforts to ensure a safe and enjoyable eclipse viewing experience. With a record number of tourists expected to converge on the Buffalo area to view the eclipse, as well as the potential for heavy traffic congestion and disruptions in cell service, all City residents are being urged to plan in advance and to avoid unnecessary travel on that day, especially during the peak of the eclipse and the anticipated influx of traffic right after. The City Hall observation deck will also be closed on the day of the eclipse, as previously announced.
Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia said, “We want to make sure everyone has a safe experience. The concern is the anticipated traffic jams with more vehicles on the roads, as well as the ability for police and fire departments to be able to respond to any emergency calls that might arise.”
In addition, trash and recycling pickups in Buffalo will be delayed by one day during the week of the eclipse. There will be no collections in Buffalo on Monday, April 8th. Collections will be one day later than usual throughout the entire week. Pickups scheduled on Monday will be made on Tuesday, and so on. Friday pickups will be done on Saturday.
Also, there will be no bulk trash pickup in the Ellicott Council District on Monday, April 8th, but it will resume on Tuesday. Residents should still put their bulk trash curbside on Sunday, April 7th.
As a reminder from the City of Buffalo Parking Department, please be advised that public parking must be in designated parking spaces only. Parking rules will be enforced on Monday, April 8th. No parking on grass or other areas not designated for parking.
To stay best informed about the eclipse, City residents should text ECLIPSE to 38276. More eclipse information can be found on the City’s eclipse web page, www.buffalony.gov/eclipse.
