Review of Policies and Practices for Hurricane Evacuation. II: Traffic Operations, Management, and Control

Abstract

This paper is the second in a two-part series reviewing highway transportation aspects of hurricane evacuations. While the first focused on transportation-related policies and practices for evacuation planning, preparedness, and response, this paper summarizes the state of current practice from the perspective of evacuation traffic operations, management, and control. Results of a survey of state evacuation practices are presented, concentrating on design and operational aspects of contraflow evacuations and the use of intelligent transportation systems for evacuation management. Means of dissemination of information to travelers/evacuees are addressed, along with strategies for promotion of general public awareness of evacuation plans and procedures. Management of poststorm reentry into evacuated areas and planning and contracting issues regarding construction activities on evacuation routes during the hurricane season are also considered. Although this study focused on issues pertaining to hurricane evacuations, many of the findings are also applicable to multihazard evacuation planning and operations.