Reverse Lanes Operations Defined
What is a Reverse Lanes ?
One method for conducting a large-scale evacuation is to set up one-way operations on certain interstate highways and expressways. This method
called "reverse lanes" 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 reverse lane 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 reverse lane operation is not likely to be implemented.How does the Reverse Lanes Plan work?
Local and state officials will examine traffic flows on evacuation routes to determine whether reverse lane implementation is necessary prior to
a hurricane's landfall. If they decide that the reverse lane plan must be implemented, FDOT and FHP will prepare the route. Before the beginning of the reverse lane 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 reverse lane operation 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 reversed lanes, including speed limits. Law enforcement agencies will be patrolling the regular and revered lanes.
Know your destination in advance, because the way the routes are designed, reversed lane routes restrict your travel choices. Message boards will provide key information at the
beginning of the reversed lane route to assist you with your choices. Law enforcement officers and other personnel will be at the entrance and termination of the route directing traffic and will not be able to provide answers to
motorists. Please look for and tune into the Highway Advisory Radios that will be broadcasting emergency information about the reverse lane route.
Vehicles entering the reversed lane are expected to travel to the end of the route. Many exits on the reversed lane side will be closed to traffic, either because they have no
services available or the design of the exit or interchange precludes safe travel for those driving in the reversed lane portion of the route.
Commercial vehicles, recreational vehicles and those towing boats or other trailers should remain in the standard direction travel lanes, i.e.: north bound vehicles as listed above should be traveling in the northbound lanes.
This will prevent these vehicles from encountering the sharp turns and potential obstacles that may prevent the orderly movement all evacuating vehicles.
There is
also the misconception by many that a reverse lane operation 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 reversed lane highway may not be
faster or have less traffic, so your travel time may not be reduced.Getting Information
During a reverse lane 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 reverse lane route. All routes
are served by member stations of the Florida Public Radio Network,
http://www.fprn.org/.
