Virginia State Route 273

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[music] Atlantic hurricanes and tropical storms can put Virginia’s coast at risk for flooding. Near the coast, such flooding could be caused by storm surge. Emergency officials order evacuations to keep residents safe from flooding caused by storm surge -- not from the wind. Virginia has a hurricane evacuation plan to help people who must evacuate the area leave safely. The plan includes seven designated evacuation routes, as well as the option for a lane reversal of Interstate 64 between Norfolk and Richmond. Here’s how it works: If the governor orders a lane reversal, local media will notify residents living or working in Hampton Roads. As a storm approaches, always listen to local media for instructions for your area. Emergency personnel will start to close access to the eastbound lanes on I-64 before the reversal begins. Teams will manually lower hurricane gates installed along I-64 to ensure no eastbound traffic can enter the reversed lanes. These teams, made up of National Guard, state police and VDOT personnel, will remain in place until the reversal ends. State troopers will drive on the reversed lanes to make sure they are clear of all traffic. Then, after they have determined it is safe, the reversal will begin. As an added precaution, state trooper vehicles will lead the initial lane reversal traffic. Traffic can enter the reversed lanes at only one place: mile marker 273 on I-64, just east of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. All Southside traffic already on I-64 westbound lanes will cross over to the reversed lanes. Traffic entering I-64 from 4th View Street will continue on the regular westbound lanes. Motorists can enter and exit the regular westbound lanes as they normally would, though some entrance and exit ramps could be closed for traffic control. For safety reasons, traffic on the reversed lanes will be able to leave the interstate at only two exits: Exit 234 in Williamsburg and Exit 205 in Bottoms Bridge, for gas, food, and lodging. Motorists exiting the reversed lanes cannot re-enter them, but they can re-enter I-64 using the normal westbound ramps. In addition, motorists can access the rest areas in New Kent County and a temporary comfort station on I-64, near Jefferson Avenue in Newport News, for water and toilets. The I-64 reversal stops at the Interstate 295 interchange, just east of Richmond. All motorists on the normally westbound lanes must take Exit 200 and travel north or south on I-295. Motorists on the reversed lanes will cross over to the regular westbound lanes and continue west toward the I-95 interchange and points west. Emergency officials will end a lane reversal before tropical storm force winds reach the Virginia coast. This will give emergency personnel enough time to safely restore normal traffic flow and find shelter. A lane reversal will help residents evacuate, but I-64 is not the only evacuation route. Decide now which route you will take, and remember that leaving early is key. You will ensure that your family is out of harm’s way and avoid potential traffic delays. Have emergency supplies packed and ready to go, learn your designated evacuation routes, and know your destination before you leave. Go to www.ReadyVirginia.gov to find storm surge maps and evacuation routes for your area. Know your risk and be prepared. For more information about hurricane preparedness in Virginia, visit ReadyVirginia.gov.