FHP opens emergency shoulder to drivers in North Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- In an effort to help move off evacuating residents quicker, the Florida Department of Transportation and Florida Highway Patrol have implemented a limited Emergency Shoulder Use plan in the northern sections of Interstate 75.

The affects evacuations on I-75 from Wildwood north to the Georgia state line.

Motorists should only use the left shoulder when directed by law enforcement and highway signs.

There is no contraflow or one-way operation in use on Florida state roadways.  Troopers say contraflow blocks essential southbound lanes needed to bring supplies to shelters and families in the southern part of the state, and also inhibits emergency vehicles from reaching people in need.

No other state roadways are currently approved for shoulder use.

Although there are heavy pockets of evacuation traffic in some areas; traffic is flowing on this section of roadway.

Law enforcement urges motorists to use caution when driving on the shoulder – right shoulder use is prohibited.

You can monitor live traffic conditions on the Fox 4 Traffic Page.