Yellowhammer Times

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has announced its preparedness for the 2025 hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1. ALDOT collaborates with emergency agencies to ensure safety and information dissemination before, during, and after storms, particularly in coastal areas such as Mobile and Baldwin counties.

Before a storm, ALDOT conducts practice runs like the recent contraflow drill on I-65 from Mobile to Montgomery. This ensures traffic can be safely reversed if a mandatory evacuation is required. The department coordinates with various agencies including the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA), local emergency agencies, law enforcement, and media partners to maintain effective evacuation plans.

In the event of an evacuation due to a major hurricane threat, ALDOT may implement contraflow on I-65 by reversing southbound lanes and redirecting all lanes northbound from Mobile to Montgomery. This measure aims to expedite evacuations and increase vehicle movement away from danger zones. ALDOT will provide public information through signs, alerts, and news outlets.

During a storm's landfall, ALDOT crews do not respond due to hazardous conditions that prevent addressing flooding or downed trees and powerlines. Facilities such as Welcome Centers and Rest Areas will close as they are not equipped as emergency shelters.

After a storm passes, ALDOT focuses on clearing roads of debris to facilitate safe passage for emergency vehicles and supply trucks. The department has contracts with cleanup crews to ensure quick response times while tracking costs for FEMA reimbursement.

ALDOT advises residents to plan ahead by knowing evacuation routes and leaving early to avoid traffic delays. Staying informed through news updates and using real-time tools like ALGOtraffic.com or the ALGO Traffic app is recommended. A hurricane kit should include essentials such as bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights with batteries, phone chargers, and first aid supplies.

"Be Ready. Stay Safe." is ALDOT's message as it commits to keeping Alabama moving regardless of weather conditions. For continuous updates throughout the hurricane season, visit aldotnews.com.

Information from this article can be found here.