Hurricane Evacuation Guide
Hurricane Gates on Interstate 64
Where Are the Gates?
Gates are located on the eastbound ramps along Interstate 64 from exit 273 east of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel to exit 200 at Interstate 295 in Richmond for use as part of the I-64 lane reversal, if the governor should call one.
Why Did VDOT Install the Gates?
In the event of a hurricane or other disaster, the governor can order an interstate lane reversal to help evacuate Hampton Roads.
Should this occur, all lanes on I-64 will carry westbound traffic.
Why Are There Gates at Each End of the Ramp?
Hurricane gate on I-64
Gates are on either side of each ramp to make sure the ramps are completely inaccessible when closed. This prevents motorists from driving on shoulders to go around gates.
The dual gates keep vehicles traveling west in the reversed eastbound lanes from exiting the interstate on these blocked ramps and causing an accident on the connecting roadways.
They also provide a final measure of safety to prevent motorists from getting on the interstate heading east while traffic is moving west.
If the Gates Are Down, How Do I Exit the Interstate?
There will be only two exits for reversed traffic before I-295:
- Exit 234 in Williamsburg (where services include gas, food, lodging and a hospital)
- Exit 205 at Bottoms Bridge (where services include gas and food)
Motorists exiting the reversed lanes cannot re-enter the reversed lanes. Once a motorist exits the reversed lanes, they can re-enter I-64 using the normal I-64 westbound ramps.
A temporary comfort station will be located on I-64 at Jefferson Avenue (mile marker 255) to provide restrooms and water.
Motorists cannot exit I-64 at Jefferson Avenue. Farther west, New Kent County safety rest areas will be open.
In addition, the two New Kent safety rest areas will be open.
Who Will Monitor the Exits and Roadway During the Evacuation?
VDOT, Virginia State Police and Virginia Army National Guard personnel will be at each of the ramps and at the Jefferson Avenue comfort station.
They also will be at the two safety rest areas on I-64 in New Kent County.
VDOT’s Safety Service Patrol will assist motorists when possible.
What Happens at the Interstate 295 Interchange?
- The I-64 reversal ends at the I-295 interchange east of Richmond.
- Motorists on I-64 west lanes must take Exit 200 and travel on I-295 north toward Fredericksburg and Northern Virginia or I-295 south toward Petersburg.
- Motorists on I-64 reversed lanes (normally eastbound) will cross over to I-64 west lanes and continue west toward the I-95 interchange. See Exit 200 map for more information.
For information about how to prepare for all types of emergencies, visit ReadyVirginia.gov.
