(September 17, 2008)-- The Texas Department of Transportation Wednesday urged motorists to stay off the southbound I-45 Gulf Freeway, where traffic backed up for a second day as residents tried without success to return to Galveston.

Galveston officials Tuesday briefly instituted a “look and leave” policy that allowed some residents to return briefly to the island to inspect their homes, but rescinded the policy after traffic backed up, impeding the flow of emergency supplies and assistance.

The Gulf Freeway is closed south of FM 519, where the Texas Department of Public Safety is manning a checkpoint.

A dedicated lane has been established for emergency crews, essential workers, utility crews, contractors and delivery vehicles, TxDOT said.

"Motorists should be mindful that those who decide to try to venture south on IH 45 despite the warning not to do so will inevitably experience very long traffic waits only to be turned around once reaching the checkpoint. Fueling options and resources are very minimal at best and due to traffic delays the needed resources to try to provide such relief are being significantly delayed" said Raquelle Lewis, TxDOT Public Information Supervisor.

The only motorists who are being allowed to proceed past the DPS checkpoint are residents of Bayou Vista and Tiki Island.

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