A number of roadways will be closed Monday during the funeral procession for Biloxi Police Officer Robert McKeithen. The procession could have as many as a thousand vehicles and will use two lanes of traffic. It is expected to begin between 1:45 and 2 p.m.
It will travel from First Baptist Church on Popp’s Ferry Road to Biloxi National Cemetery in West Biloxi for a 2:30 graveside service. The route will travel west on Popp’s Ferry Road, north on Cedar Lake, east on I-10, south of I-110, west on U.S. 90 and north on Veterans Avenue, across Pass Road, and into the grounds of the Biloxi National Cemetery.
The roadways that will close along the 12.1-mile route as the procession approaches will be:
— Popp’s Ferry Road between Lamey Street and Cedar Lake Road
— Cedar Lake Road between Popp’s Ferry Road and I-10
— I-10 eastbound, from Cedar Lake exit to I-110 exit
— I-110 southbound, from I-10 to U.S. 90
— U.S. 90 westbound, from I-110 to Veterans Avenue
— Veterans Avenue to the Biloxi National Cemetery, which also impacts Irish Hill and Pass Road traffic.
Services: The visitation for Officer McKeithen will be from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church. The funeral itself begins at 12:30 p.m. Graveside services are expected to begin at 2:30 p.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery. To see the obituary for Robert “Mac” McKeithen on the Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes website, click here.
The route: The 12.1-mile route includes such major thoroughfares as I-10, I-10 and U.S. 90. Many connecting thoroughfares will be closed as the procession approaches and until it passes. To see the route and timeline, click here.
Live coverage: The 12:30 p.m. funeral service will be carried live on local television by WXXV (Fox) and WLOX (ABC), and it will be carried online by WLOX, WXXV and the Sun Herald.
Parking: Parking will be limited at First Baptist Church. The public is encouraged to park at Cedar-Popp’s Shopping Center at Cedar Lake and Popp’s Ferry roads. First Baptist Church will provide free shuttle service; however, shuttle service will not resume until after procession passes.
Roadside tributes: A number of mourners are expected to stand along sections of the route Monday afternoon in tribute to Officer McKeithen. In fact, a limited number of free pocket-sized U.S. flags are available now at the Biloxi Visitors Center. Those planning to stand along the route should remember three things, police say: 1, be aware of your surroundings; 2, respect private property; and 3, park legally.
Etc.: Police are working with CSX to limit rail traffic during the procession, which crosses the CSX railway at Veterans Avenue. The National Weather Service forecasts mostly sunny skies for Monday, with a 20 percent chance of rain before 1 p.m. For traffic advisories, text BILOXI to 888777.
