HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT) – As peak hurricane season nears, officials with the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) reminded residents that contraflow could be implemented in the event of a powerful hurricane.

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.

“Contraflow is rare, but rest assured, MDOT stands ready to implement this emergency traffic pattern if necessary,” said Commissioner Charles Busby, Southern Transportation District. “The Department holds regular drills to ensure staff can act quickly and decisively when and if contraflow operations are needed. 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.

In the event of contraflow, MDOT officials said 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.