Contraflow
Operations - A Response to Hurricane Threats
One of the main responsibilities of the Florida Department of Transportation
(FDOT) in emergency situations is to assist with planning and carrying out
evacuations using the state's highways. These evacuations can potentially
involve relocating millions of people from a threatened area and seeing that
they reach shelter in a safe, timely manner.
During hurricane season, residents of coastal Florida are particularly
vulnerable to the storm threat. This Web site contains information on the use
of reverse-lane or "contraflow" plans that FDOT, the Florida Division of
Emergency Management (FDEM) and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) would
institute under certain conditions to evacuate coastal communities. Use this
site to learn more about contraflow evacuations and the reverse-lane routes
that have been planned for use in such emergencies.
Remember, your needs and those of your family should be the primary factors considered
when determining the timing of your evacuation.
By its nature, an evacuation
is not a fast or efficient
process, especially when
thousands of motorists leave
at the same time and traffic
increases on major roads.
Do not delay your departure in
anticipation of a contraflow plan announcement, nor should you assume that a contraflow will alleviate
traffic problems on your
evacuation route.
Should a contraflow operation
be activated for your community, you will be advised through local radio and
television stations. A good evacuation plan, however, is prepared well in
advance. If you do evacuate, it is
better to leave early and go tens of
miles, not hundreds of miles. Identify
where local hurricane shelters are
located. If you are planning to travel
to the home of a family member or
friend, plan ahead of time what you need
to bring and the best route to take to
your destination.
For additional information, visit . . .
