ATLANTA – To facilitate travel
from mandatory evacuation zones and areas of expected impact from Hurricane
Dorian, Georgia DOT - working in coordination with the Georgia Emergency
Management and Homeland Security Agency and Georgia State Patrol – has
instituted contraflow on Interstate 16 from Savannah through US 441 in
Dublin to allow evacuation traffic the opportunity to use all four lanes of
I-16 in the westbound direction. The contraflow is in effect until further
notice.
While citizens are urged to consider all possible evacuation routes, traffic on
the contraflowed I-16 is currently running at the speed limit. The public is
urged to evacuate now to avoid slowdowns and lengthy travel times as the storm
gets closer to the Georgia coast.
Yesterday, traffic along the I-16 corridor steadily increased throughout the
day; overall, there was a 55% increase in traffic headed in the westbound
direction from the baseline average. At one point, traffic counts had almost
tripled for vehicles per hour in the westbound direction over the previous day.
Traffic counts on I-16 so far today are similar to yesterday.
“The contraflow on I-16 assists in moving those in mandatory evacuation areas
to safety. We encourage the public to heed all warnings and take advantage of
the lighter than normal traffic to get out of the hurricane’s path. If everyone
waits until the last minute, it will slow the pace of evacuation and increase safety
concerns,” said Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell R. McMurry. “We ask that
everyone plan ahead, leave early, pre-select your evacuation route using 511,
carry needed supplies and exercise patience and discretion.”
A median crossover on I-16 east of I-95 crosses traffic over onto I-16
eastbound lanes to travel westbound. All eastbound access at interchanges is
blocked from Dublin to Savannah on I-16 during the contraflow process.
Travelers may exit contraflow lanes at the following locations:
- Exit 143 @ SR 30 / US 280 (Exit to Pembroke at Ellabell, Georgia)
- Exit 116 @ SR 73 / SR 301 (Exit to Statesboro and Claxton at Metter, Georgia)
- Exit 104 @ SR 23 / SR 121 (Exit to Metter and Reidsville at Metter, Georgia)
- Exit 90 @ SR 4 / US 1 (Swainsboro, Georgia)
- Exit 71 @ SR 15 / SR 78 (Exit to Soperton and Adrian at Soperton, Georgia)
- Exit 67 @ SR 29 (Soperton, Georgia)
- Exit 51 @ SR 31 / US 319 / US 441 (Dublin, Georgia)
A cross-over on I-16 at Mile 43 prior to Exit
42 (SR 338) in Laurens County will direct traffic back to regular westbound
lanes prior to arrival in Macon.
Motorists are also reminded that shoulders on interstates are reserved for –
and are being actively used by - emergency vehicles only. They are not to be
used for passenger vehicles.
Assistance Available
for Motorists
Georgia DOT Highway Emergency Response Operators (HEROs) and Georgia State
Patrol have formed 13 strike teams to assist with traffic situations that may
occur.
Twelve Coordinated Highway Assistance and Maintenance Program (CHAMP) operators
have been deploying to I-95 and I-75 between Florida and Macon to provide
motorists assistance and traffic control for the increased volume of evacuation
traffic from Florida and the Georgia coast. In addition, 21 Highway Emergency
Response Operators (HEROs) are assisting with contraflow and traffic management
on I-16.
For additional information and resources:
- For current roadway conditions, or to report roadway conditions: 511ga.org or dial 511
- For roadway information and evacuation routes, visit Georgia DOT at dot.ga.gov
- For emergency information and updates: GEMA/HS at gema.ga.gov
- For information on emergency shelters, visit American Red Cross at www.redcross.org
- For news alerts and information from throughout the state, visit www.GPBnews.org
- For a HERO or CHAMP Operator: Dial 511 and request assistance
To learn how motorists access and use the I-16
contraflow lanes, click here.
The Georgia Department
of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable
transportation system that supports Georgia’s economy and is sensitive to both
its citizens and its environment. Particularly in times of crisis, Georgia DOT
stands at the ready to serve the public.