Contraflow Operations Defined

What is a Contraflow?

One method for conducting a large-scale evacuation is to set up one-way operations on certain interstate highways and expressways. This method - called a "contraflow" - means that all the travel lanes on a designated section of road would proceed in one direction, heading away from the approaching storm.

The primary benefit of a contraflow plan is that it allows the FDOT and FHP to use all the available lanes on a highway for evacuation purposes. It's a way to handle the additional traffic anticipated as Florida residents and visitors leave a coastal area in advance of a hurricane.

Keep in mind that local evacuation plans are established as the first and primary means for handling hurricane emergencies in Florida communities. These local evacuation plans are the primary response to such emergencies and if these plans are proving effective in handling the evacuating traffic on an interstate highway, then a contraflow is not likely to be declared for that road.

How do Contraflows Work?

Local and state officials will examine traffic flows on evacuation routes to determine whether a contraflow is necessary prior to a hurricane's landfall. If they decide that the contraflow plan must be implemented, the FDOT and FHP will prepare the route. Before the beginning of the contraflow operation, the lanes to be reversed will be closed to incoming traffic and no vehicles will be permitted on the usual entry ramps. If you normally travel these lanes, you will be diverted to alternate roads to reach your destination.

The contraflow will be carried out by the FHP. Be sure to obey the officers' directions and follow the traffic cones and other route markers. All state highway safety regulations and traffic rules apply for the contraflow lanes, including speed limits.  Law enforcement agencies will be patrolling the regular and contraflow lanes.

Know in advance where you are headed. At the beginning of some contraflow routes, the vehicles are divided into lanes according to their destination. Because of the way they are structured, contraflow routes restrict your travel choices. Many interchanges and exits will be closed to traffic and evacuating vehicles will be directed to predetermined points - with no exceptions.

There is also the misconception by many that a contraflow is the automatic response for all evacuation emergencies, but this is hardly the case. While reversing the flow on half a highway’s lanes will double the number of lanes in that direction, it does not provide twice the vehicle capacity for that road. In fact, with the tendency of many evacuees to leave during the same short period and utilize local interstates, traffic bottlenecks and highway congestion are very likely. Avoid putting yourself in this situation. For more flexibility and travel choices, consider evacuating earlier and choosing an alternate route to your destination. The contraflow highway may not be faster or have less traffic, so your travel time may not be lessened.

Getting Information

During a contraflow operation, traffic information is available by dialing 511 to access Florida's Advanced Traveler Information System. The FDOT will also have directions for motorists displayed on message signs that are positioned along the route.

Another information source is highway advisory radio (HAR). Watch for the roadside HAR signs that direct you to tune your vehicle radio to the designated frequency to hear the alert. For those with Citizens Band (CB) radios, tune to Channel 19 for traffic advisories provided through the CB Wizard Alert notification system.

Other evacuation advisories and weather alerts are provided through various radio stations serving the communities along the contraflow route. All routes are served by member stations of the Florida Public Radio Network, http://www.fprn.org/.