Every stretch of South Florida's highways is being closely monitored, as the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is making sure any accidents get cleared up as quickly as possible and all lanes on I-95 stay open in anticipation of Hurricane Irma.
There's a steady traffic flow on South Florida highways but as more people decide to evacuate, traffic and congestion may increase. Evacuations for Monroe County are underway, and voluntary evacuations have begun for other parts of South Florida.
FDOT employees are keeping a close eye on the Hurricane and the highways. Right now there is a little more traffic than usual on South Florida highways. Tolls were suspended at the governor's order and people packing up and leaving have the option of taking I-95 or the Florida Turnpike North.
FDOT says road rangers will be out until winds reach 35 miles per hour. Crews will continue to safely monitor roadways from inside the traffic management control room.
Once Hurricane Irma's threat is over, highways will be cleared of any debris to allow emergency vehicles and supplies to get through.
FDOT wants drivers to use the 511 app or call 511 if they plan to travel. The app gives up-to-the-minute information on where crashes are happening, what the average speed of travel is on the highways and any incidents taking place.
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Source: WPTV-TV
Images source: National Hurricane Center
