[Temslist] FW: VDOT Hurricane Lane Reversal Exercise

[Tidewater EMS Council Listserv]

FYI, The following is an update on a lane reversal exercise on I-64
between the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel and I-64/I-295 in Richmond
scheduled for May 20th.  Entry onto I-64 eastbound at I-64/I-295 will be
prohibited beginning at 5:20 am (vehicles detoured to Rt. 60 or Rt. 5).
All eastbound ramps onto I-64 between mile markers 200 to 272 will be
closed between 6:00 am and 6:30 am.  This will not impact traffic
already on I-64 which will proceed as normal. The exercise ends and all
ramps will be reopened by 6:30 am.
 
 

From: Tammy KARLGAARD [mailto:tkarlgaard at hrpdcva.gov] 
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2007 4:22 PM
Subject: VDOT Hurricane Lane Reversal Exercise

Exercise Information:

Representatives from VDEM, VSP, National Guard and VDOT met at the
Williamsburg Residency to discuss the timeline for the May 20th exercise
along I-64 Eastbound.  VDOT, VSP and National Guard will be deploying
staff to implement a portion of the lane reversal by closing those
designated on ramps to I-64 eastbound between I-295/64 interchange and
the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel.  A command post (operating under the
unified command system/NIMS) located at the I-64/I-295 interchange will
be set up and run by VSP with representatives from VDOT and the National
Guard.  There will be a VSP officer at each on ramp that will be closed
and that individual will serve as the area commander.  Information
exchange will be from the command post to the VSP rep who will then
relay the information to the National Guard and VDOT staff located at
the ramp.  Below is a timeline based on the events planned for the
exercise.  Individual agencies will most likely set up their own
pre-exercise meet times based on logistical needs.  I-64 will be closed
at 5:20 AM so that the Sandston Residency can safely institute the
necessary lane closures along I-64 and I-295.

Time (Approximate)                    Activity

0500                                         All staff present at their
assigned ramp.

0500 - 0515                              VDEM SEOC provides radio
message to the command post that the Governor has authorized a lane
reversal

0520 - 0600                              Sandston Residency closes I-64
and on ramps to I-64 at the I-295 interchange

0550                                         Command Post sends a radio
message to all ramps to be prepared to close on ramps in 10 minutes.

0600                                         Command Post sends message
to close on ramps.

0610                                         Command Post begins roll
call on ramp closure status.

0615                                         VSP begins sweep of I-64E
from MM 200 via car and aircraft.  When reach Exit 205, radio contact
will be made with ramp personnel, aircraft and car and the off ramp will
be closed.  Once the off ramp has been closed, ramp will report status
to command post.

0620                                         Command Post sends a radio
message to all ramps to prepare to open all ramps in 10 minutes.

0630                                         Command Post sends message
to open all ramps and terminate exercise.

0800                                         After Action Review to be
held at the Sandston Residency.

Public Affairs staff will be working with VDEM to ensure that the public
is aware of the drill in advance of the drill date.  CMS, HAR and 511
will be utilized to get the word out to travelers during the exercise.
It was suggested that letters be written to Busch Gardens, Colonial
Williamsburg and William and Mary alerting them to the fact of the drill
and that there should be no impacts to their facilities as a result of
this drill.

The Virginia State Police will make any determinations on whether to
abort the exercise based on real world events.  

If there are communication issues with any of the ramps, the default
will be that the on ramps will be closed at 0600 and re-opened at 0630.
The communication problem will be documented and brought out at the AAR.
The default will at least give VDOT personnel the opportunity to close
the ramps and some experience with the gates.  VDOT personnel should be
keeping their respective Regional Operation Centers updated as to ramp
status throughout the drill.  The Command Post will also be conducting a
communication exercise with the James City County EOC for deployment of
emergency medical assistance during an actual lane reversal.

Each ramp will have as a minimum 1 VSP, 2 National Guard and 2 VDOT
representatives.  Since there will be 36 ramp closures (this drill does
not include the 3 on I-664), that equates to 180 personnel not including
supervisors and Command Post staff.

Tammy Karlgaard
Regional Emergency Management Planner
Hampton Roads Planning District Commission
723 Woodlake Drive
Chesapeake, VA, 23320
757-366-4377 (direct line)
757-420-8300, ext. 377
757-523-4881 (fax)
tkarlgaa at hrpdc.org

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