Hurricane Evacuation Drill To Impact Route 72: NJDOT

BARNEGAT, NJ — State authorities will be conducting a hurricane evacuation drill on Aug. 7 along several highways, including on Route 72, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT).

On Thursday, drivers can expect to see an increase presence of DOT, New Jersey State Police, New Jersey Turnpike Authority, South Jersey Transportation Authority and Department of Corrections work crews along several highways and key shore evacuation routes. No roads will be closed during the drill.

This drill will take place along Route 72 from milepost 13.8 in Barnegat to about milepost 29 in Ship Bottom, according to DOT officials.

The main element of the exercise is preparing to set up a contraflow (reversing traffic on a section of roadway to travel in the opposite direction) on highways that serve as evacuation routes for the Jersey Shore. Crews will be staging cones, signs, and message boards in designated locations along the side of these highways but will not be deploying the materials.

If you see transportation or emergency personnel on the side of the road, Slow Down and Move Over if you are able.

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