As Mississippi recognizes Hurricane Preparedness Week, nearly $5 million has been granted to roadway authorities to improve operations on major evacuation routes.
The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) was awarded the funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s PROTECT Discretionary Grant Program. One of 80 funded projects nationwide, the money will be used to improve contraflow operations on I-55 and I-59.
“When a hurricane threatens, having the ability to quickly move people out of harm’s way is of the utmost importance,” Southern District Transportation Commissioner Charles Busby said. “As a coastal resident, I’m particularly grateful for this funding and the positive impact it will have on south Mississippi as well as our neighbors in Louisiana.”
Utilized only in the event of a powerful hurricane, contraflow turns all four lanes of the two interstates’ traffic northbound from Louisiana through the Brookhaven and Hattiesburg areas to aid in the evacuation of southeast Louisiana and coastal Mississippi residents.
“Contraflow in Mississippi is rare, but when we need to implement it, we must act rapidly and with a high level of efficiency,” MDOT Executive Director Brad White said. “We thank our federal partners for grant funding that will allow us to improve contraflow operations, enabling greater proficiency when we need it most.”
The grant will help extend contraflow routes and install new signage, gates at exit ramps, and mile markers for improved traffic flow along the southern segments of I-55 and I-59.
The project is currently in the design phase, and construction is expected to begin in 2025. The project is anticipated to improve safety, efficiency, and resiliency within two critical segments of hurricane evacuation infrastructure.
