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Well, TxDOT has been busy, somewhat.  No contra-flow yet.

• The TxDOT San Antonio district reopened I-10 eastbound in Seguin (Guadalupe County) earlier this afternoon after relocating a concrete barrier from a construction site.
• The TxDOT Bryan District opened two lanes for the U.S. 290/SH 36 exit/interchange to U.S. 290 west bound to Austin earlier this afternoon to alleviate the increased traffic through this area on the west side of Brenham.
• TxDOT is in communication with Union Pacific, Kansas City Southern and BNSF Railroads to minimize blockage of highway rail crossings in the southeast Texas region.
• Jefferson and Orange Counties reopened the Rainbow and Veteran’s Memorial bridges. The closings earlier today allowed Orange County evacuation efforts to move forward without interfering with Port Arthur and Sabine Pass evacuation efforts. Officials will close them again once tropical storm force winds hit the area.
• TxDOT is using portable message signs to convey information on road conditions and services for evacuees.
• TxDOT altered signal light patterns to facilitate northbound evacuations through East Texas.
• TXDOT will continue to monitor evacuation routes along the Gulf Coast and be prepared to implement contraflow if ordered to do so by local officials.
• TxDOT is operating courtesy patrols on all evacuation routes to help stranded vehicles and provide emergency assistance to motorists.
• TxDOT continues to operate multiple comfort stations along evacuation routes.
• The Texas Road Condition and Travel Information line (800-452-9292) will be staffed by operators 24 hours a day. This information line is currently experiencing a 600 percent increase in calls.
• The TxDOT Bolivar Ferry will operate until 11 p.m. tonight (9/11/08). After 11 p.m. operations will be suspended per orders from U.S. Coast Guard.

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Hurricane Ike is currently threatening the Texas coast.  Landfall forecast for late Friday to early Saturday morning.  Got a call this evening from my supervisor at work to be prepared for contra-flow on I-45.  My duty station for contra-flow is actually on US 290 outside Brenham.  I was really hoping Ike would fizzle more like Gustav did last month.  Guess we can’t be fortunate twice in a row.

Not definite that contra-flow will be needed yet.  I’ll find out tomorrow morning.

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