Hurricane Evacuation Guide
Hurricane Gates on Interstate 64
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has installed gates along Interstate 64 to help emergency responders “reverse the roadway” or use both sides of the interstate to carry motorists west during a major evacuation of Hampton Roads.Questions and Answers:
Where are the gates?The gates are on the ramps along I-64 East from just east of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel to Interstate 295 in Richmond.
Why did VDOT install the gates?
In a hurricane or other disaster, the governor can order an interstate lane reversal to help quickly evacuate Hampton Roads. Should this occur, all lanes on I-64 will carry westbound traffic.
The gates were installed to prevent motorists from entering the interstate traveling east when traffic is reversed and all are moving west .
Hurricane gate on I-64
Why are there two gates at each ramp?
This makes sure the ramps are completely inaccessible. VDOT was concerned that motorists might drive on the shoulders of the road to get around the gates.
Two gates should prevent this.
Why are the gates at the end of the ramp?
So vehicles traveling in the reversed lanes (heading west toward Richmond) cannot exit the interstate using the blocked ramps and cause an accident.
As a safety precaution, VDOT will place other devices (barrels and smaller gates) at the top of the ramps so motorists do not try to use those entrances to the eastbound lanes during a reversal.
The gates at the bottom of the ramp provide a final measure to prevent motorists from getting on the interstate heading east when traffic is moving west.
If the gates are down, how am I going to get off the interstate?
There will be only two exits for reversed traffic before I-295:
- Exit 234 in Williamsburg, where services include:
- Gas
- Food
- Lodging
- A hospital
- Exit 205 at Bottoms Bridge, where services include gas and food.
If motorists exit the reversed I-64 lanes, they can use a standard entry ramp to return to I-64 West. There are no re-entry ramps to the reserved lanes.
There will be a comfort station at Jefferson Avenue. Citizens can rest there, get water and use the restroom.
In addition, the two safety rest areas on I-64 in New Kent County will be open.
Who will monitor the exits and roadway during the evacuation?
VDOT, the Virginia State Police and the Virginia Army National Guard will be at each of the ramps and at the comfort station at Jefferson Avenue. They also will be at the two open safety rest areas in New Kent County.
VDOT’s Safety Service Patrol will be out in full force and will assist motorists who break down on the interstate.
For information about how to prepare for all types of emergencies, visit ReadyVirginia.gov.
