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Contra-flow Improvements Made |
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The Texas Department of Transportation plans to "contra-flow" or reverse-flow portions of Galveston County's primary evacuation routes in the event a major hurricane threatens our area.
Contra-flow is designed to help alleviate traffic congestion. During the 2005 hurricane season, contra-flow was implemented prior to landfall of Hurricane Rita, but the implementation came too late to have much impact. TxDOT intends to contra-flow these key highways much earlier this year, if the need arises.
The primary routes for contra-flow are Interstate 45 North, Interstate 10 West, and U.S. 290 North. Reverse flow will begin on I-45 just north of State Highway 242 near Conroe. I-10 West will be contra-flowed beginning in Brookshire; and U.S. 290 just west of FM 1960. The attached Powerpoint slides provide more information.
Contra-flow is not without its critics. Some say it merely moves the traffic congestion to another area, and may pose unnecessary risks to drivers and first responders. However, it may have the positive effect of moving large volumes of traffic outside of the tidal surge zones. Contra-flow will only be used when a major hurricane (Category 4-5) threatens the Houston-Galveston area and mandatory evacuations are issued. Even with contra-flow in place, motorists should anticipate traffic delays and be prepared. Fill your gas tank and pack food, water, medical supplies and other necessities prior to evacuating.
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