Cape Cod Evacuation Plan In Place As Hurricane Irene Approaches

BOSTON (CBS) - A storm like Hurricane Irene presents quite a challenge for Cape Cod and possible evacuations.

During the storm, access is limited to two bridges, which are not safe in very strong winds. So, there is a plan in place.

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If people are trying to get off of the Cape and police need to keep traffic moving, they will put the first phase of their plan in place.

WBZ-TV's Jim Smith reports.

The Plan:

In Phase 1, the only people who would be able to get onto the Bourne and Sagamore bridges would be people trying to leave the Cape. Police would also control access to exits along the scenic highway and Sandwich Road.
If the winds reach 70 miles per hour, Phase 2 would be activated. In that event, the bridges would be shut down: Route 28 will close at the Otis Rotary and Route 6 will close at Exit 2.
After Phase 2, drivers would then be directed to the emergency shelter at the Mass. Military Reservation or back where they came from.

See: MEMA

Six other regional shelters are available throughout the Cape, while each of Cape Cod's 15 towns have their own facilities.

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Drivers will then be diverted to emergency shelters.