Scrapin the Coast, the auto show that some view as a younger cousin to Cruisin’ the Coast, returns to Biloxi this weekend, and city crews are preparing for a smooth-flowing event.
In fact, motorists driving U.S. 90 Friday morning will see more than 2,500 traffic cones in or near the center of eastbound and westbound lanes on U.S. 90 from the I-110 to the city limits at DeBuys Road. City Public Works crews tonight, between 3 and 6 a.m., will place the three-foot-tall orange cones. Earlier this week, crews positioned more than 700 barricades near key intersections, along with about 300 rope hangers to cordon off public rights-of-way.
It’s all for Scrapin the Coast, the annual two-day show that takes place at the Coast Coliseum from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The event attracts hundreds of customized vehicles and auto enthusiasts, which can lead to heavy traffic cruising along the beachfront highway, especially in West Biloxi.
The city’s traffic plan has been used successfully on many special events held annually in Biloxi.
“The traffic cones on Highway 90 are necessary if the city needs to limit traffic to one lane each way anywhere between I-110 and DeBuys Road,” Biloxi Police Maj. Chris De Back said. “This plan is one that many may be familiar with and one that will be implemented only if traffic begins to gridlock. Traffic may move slowly in some cases, but it’s moving and public safety vehicles are able to respond to emergency calls in a timely manner.”
The plan, depending on traffic, also may involve closing non-signalized intersections on U.S. 90 and “venting” of traffic to Interstate 10.
Added De Back: “The biggest advice we have for people is to have fun, be patient, and be courteous. Give yourself plenty of time when traveling in Biloxi this weekend and remember we are still dealing with the coronavirus pandemic so adhere to those guidelines.â€
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Keesler gate: White Avenue gate will close at 7 tonight and reopen at 5:30 a.m. Monday because of the heavy traffic expected on U.S. 90 this weekend. During the weekend, the Meadows gate will be open 24 hours a day, from 7 tonight through Monday at 8:30 a.m.
B-Alert: Get Scrapin traffic advisories and other info by signing up for B-Alert. It’s a real-time, on-the-go messaging system that brings free advisories from the city directly to your cell phone. Just text BILOXI to 888777.
The weather: Skies may be overcast in Biloxi this weekend, but the National Weather Service says, the chance for rain is only between 20 and 30 percent. Daytime highs are expected in the upper 80s, dropping to the mid-70s overnight. To see the detailed forecast, click here.
