Road Closure vs. Evacuation Routes - Real World Applications

For example, one Midwestern state conducted extensive research and crash testing on our MU-605 Manual Vertical Warning Gates, which mount directly to luminaire poles. As part of the state’s emergency action plan, these gates are strategically placed along interstates outside of townships. When severe weather strikes, the gates can be closed to redirect traffic safely back toward populated areas, keeping motorists away from dangerous conditions.

On the East Coast, another state DOT relies on our VW-M3 Manual Vertical Warning Gates installed on interstate access ramps. These gates play a vital role during large-scale evacuations, helping officials quickly and efficiently manage traffic flow when severe weather threatens communities.

While many DOTs currently utilize manual solutions, B&B also offers electrically operated warning gates designed for seamless integration into state traffic management systems. This allows for remote operation, faster response times, and safer roadway management during emergency events.  Many southern states are similarly considering and making plans to install the MU-605 on major interstate corridors to facilitate the evacuation of city along the gulf coast.

Severe weather will always be a reality across the United States, but how we prepare for it makes the difference between chaos and safety – preparing and implementing safer roadway conditions in the dream by Vision Zero, Safe Streets for All, and other state and nationwide programs. Emergency road closures are more than temporary inconveniences—they are lifesaving measures that protect motorists, keep roadways clear for first responders, and help communities weather the storm until normal operations can resume.

Traffic warning gates stand out as the best practice for managing these closures. Unlike relying on emergency vehicles or temporary barricades, gates provide a resilient, crash-tested, and highly visible solution that can be deployed quickly without putting personnel in harm’s way. Automated and remotely operated options further enhance this system, allowing transportation agencies to act decisively during fast-changing conditions.

B&B Roadway’s solutions—such as the MU-605 and VW-M3 manual vertical warning gates—are already proving their value in states across the country, from the Midwest to the East Coast. Whether redirecting traffic away from unsafe interstates or supporting large-scale evacuations, these gates have become trusted tools in severe weather response. With more states, including those along the Gulf Coast, planning installations as part of their evacuation strategies, the future of roadway safety lies in proactive, engineered solutions that save time, resources, and most importantly, lives.