Florida to re-examine evacuation routes post-Hurricane Irma

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Updated Oct 20, 2017
Florida Gov. Rick Scott touring Irma-damaged Bonita Springs on September 12.Florida Gov. Rick Scott touring Irma-damaged Bonita Springs on September 12.

In the aftermath of the largest evacuation in U.S. history, Florida Gov. Rick Scott has directed transportation officials to find quicker ways to get residents out of the state should a hurricane threaten.

The Florida Department of Transportation says it will begin examining ways to help expedite evacuation routes from the Interstate 75/Florida Turnpike Interchange near Wildwood to the Florida-Georgia border during emergencies. FDOT’s report will be submitted in January 2018, the agency says.

“In preparation for Hurricane Irma, the state worked closely with local emergency management, transportation and law enforcement partners to successfully oversee the largest evacuation in U.S. history,” Scott said in a statement. “Anytime a natural disaster threatens our state, we must do all we can to ensure Floridians can evacuate safely. That is why today, I am directing FDOT and their traffic experts to begin a comprehensive evaluation on ways to help expedite evacuation routes on I-75 from Wildwood to the Florida-Georgia border.

“This roadway is a major evacuation route, and it is crucial that residents and visitors can quickly and safely travel in this area during emergencies.”