With hurricane season heating up, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) reminds residents that contraflow could be implemented in the event of a powerful hurricane, typically a Category 3 or greater. In Mississippi, contraflow turns all four lanes of I-59 and I-55 traffic northbound from Louisiana through just south of Hattiesburg and Brookhaven, respectively, to aid in the evacuation of southeast Louisiana and coastal Mississippi residents.

“While Mississippi has not experienced contraflow since Hurricane Gustav in 2008, this traffic pattern remains an important tool in hurricane evacuation,” said Commissioner Charles Busby, Southern Transportation District. “MDOT holds regular drills to ensure the department always stands ready to employ contraflow if necessary, and I encourage residents to familiarize themselves with contraflow as part of their hurricane preparedness plan.”

Contraflow must first be requested by the governor of Louisiana and approved by the governor of Mississippi. The decision to implement contraflow is based on factors such as the strength of the hurricane, time before the landfall and evacuation orders in place for the greater New Orleans area. Contraflow is only used when absolutely necessary. Residents should NOT delay evacuation in anticipation of contraflow.

In the event of contraflow, no southbound traffic will be allowed on I-55 and I-59 within the contraflowed sections. Signs and barriers will be in place, and MDOT crews and law enforcement officers will be stationed at each exit to assist with traffic control. Exits will remain open as traffic conditions allow.

To learn more about contraflow and hurricane safety tips, download the 2024 MDOT Hurricane Evacuation Guide at GoMDOT.com/hurricanes.

Stay updated on road conditions by downloading the MDOT Traffic mobile app or visiting MDOTtraffic.com.

As MDOT monitors the tropics, you can follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) with the hashtag #HurricanePrep to stay up to date.