Biloxi braces for a huge weekend

The Coast hotel industry has a record number of reservations for this weekend, with sunny skies, a spring break weekend and a Shuckers homestand driving interest, and city leaders are ready to help keep traffic moving on U.S. 90.

“It’s unprecedented, the level of activity I’m seeing,” says Mississippi Lodging Association Director Linda Hornsby, a 30-year veteran of the Coast tourism industry. “Nearly every hotel room from Moss Point to Waveland is booked, and there’s a waiting list right now.”

That’s great news, Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich says, but at the same time city leaders want those booking those 14,000 rooms to have an enjoyable experience, whether it’s at the spring break event planned this weekend, the four Shuckers homes games, or the big boat show over in Gulfport.

“People coming to our city, that’s what we’re all about,” Gilich said, “having a great time, and enjoying our great hospitality, and the many things we have to offer.”

At the same time, Gilich said, he has directed the Biloxi Police Department to make sure traffic remains moving.

“Traffic will be slow-moving on Highway 90 this weekend,” Police Chief John Miller said. “If it begins to back up to nearing the point of gridlock at any place, we’re going to take over control of an intersection to keep it moving.

“If we still see that it’s moving too slowly, we’ll shut down all turning bays from DeBuys Road to White Avenue to spread the traffic out, and if needed we’ll close off side streets.”

As the final resort, Miller said, police would employ a “venting” of U.S. 90 where motorists would be directed to either I-110 in downtown Biloxi or Cowan Road in Gulfport and I-10.

 

News and notes

Traffic updates: The city will continue to provide as-needed traffic updates through its Facebook and Twitter platforms throughout the weekend. Those interested in signing up for Bmail, liking the city’s Facebook page or following Biloxi on Twitter, click here.

MDOT traffic cameras: To see a link to MDOT real-time traffic cameras in south Mississippi and to see the status of roadwork in Biloxi right now, click here.

Weekend preview: For a look at the events scheduled for this weekend, courtesy of online listings from the Visit Mississippi Gulf Coast website, click here.