RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Latarsha Gatlin (757) 424-9903 Latarsha.Gatlin@VDOT.virginia.gov

HRO-0725 July 18, 2007

NEW HURRICANE EVACUATION GATE INSTALLATION STARTS THIS SUMMER
$5.81 Million Phase II Project is Under Way

HAMPTON ROADS - The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has begun the second phase of installing an additional 298 hurricane evacuation gates along the entry and exit ramps of Interstates 64 and 664 and Route 199.

These gates will be used to support the phased evacuation of the Hampton Roads region and a potential I-64 lane reversal if either is ordered by the governor.

The $5.82 million project, which began in mid-July, is scheduled for completion in mid-December. Johnson Controls was awarded the project, which is funded with state and federal dollars.

The project includes the installation of the gates, foundations, guard rail and traffic controls.

“VDOT is working closely with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Virginia State Police, and the Virginia National Guard to be ready to evacuate Hampton Roads in the event of a major storm or other event,” said VDOT Commissioner David S. Ekern. “We will use these gates as an additional tool to augment our evacuation plans and to continue improving our ability to evacuate Hampton Roads quickly once the governor gives the evacuation order.”

Installation began east of Interstate 295 near Richmond and will move toward Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

Crews will mark utility locations and install guard rails prior to setting the gates.

The additional gates are part of a phased evacuation plan for Hampton Roads and southeastern Virginia. This could include reversing the direction of interstate traffic flow to increase the number of vehicles that can move away from coastal areas.

In 2006, the commonwealth funded a $2.88 million project to install 142 gates along on I-64 East and I-664 from the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel to I-295 in Richmond.

The first phase of the gate installation allowed eastbound lanes on I-64 to be closed and used for westbound traffic.

In May 2007, VDOT, along with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, State Police and National Guard conducted a successful test of command and control communications and operations of the gates.

For information on hurricane preparedness and evacuation, and to order a copy of the Virginia Hurricane Evacuation Guide, visit VirginiaDOT.org or ReadyVirginia.gov.

For updated traffic information while on the road, motorists can tune into 610 AM or dial 511 on a cellular phone.

Motorists are also encouraged to call VDOT's TrafficLine at (757) 361-3016 for up-to-date information on traffic, bridges and tunnels.

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