Hurricane Evacuation Drill Today on U.S. 501

By The Sun News, Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Jun. 7–A hurricane evacuation exercise today will affect U.S. 501.

A number of state agencies, including the S.C. Department of Public Safety, will test their lane reversal plans today — though no lanes will actually be reversed during the exercise.

In the event of a real hurricane evacuation, state officials change the flow of traffic to make all lanes westbound on U.S. 501 and Interstate 26 to help get people away from the coast faster.

During the roads drill, officials will test the deployment of law enforcement and traffic control devices such as barricades and cones. Traffic flow should not be affected, officials said, though motorists are advised to be cautious and aware of those involved in the drill.

Just like in a real hurricane, the U.S. 501 simulation begins at S.C. 22 and ends at S.C. 576 and the Marion Bypass. Officers and DOT workers will be located on the shoulder of the highway at every interchange between these points.

The traffic efforts are of part of the S.C. Emergency Management Division’s two-day hurricane simulation exercise, lasing from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Thursday.

Hurricane season began June 1.

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Copyright (c) 2006, The Sun News, Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.

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