City to re-open Popp’s Ferry to two-way traffic

The City of Biloxi will formally re-open Popp’s Ferry Road to two-way traffic after a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., almost five months ahead of schedule.

The $3.8 million project widened Popp’s Ferry Road, a major artery connecting I-10 and Pass Road, from two lanes to five lanes in the mile-long segment between Cedar Lake Road and Jam Lane.

“We’re very pleased that we can get this road open so far ahead of schedule,” Mayor A.J. Holloway said. “I want to thank the residents and businessowners and everyone who traveled this stretch of road for their patience during the construction. We had an effective traffic plan and it worked well, and it helped us get the work done quicker and safer.”

The project was one of first to be overseen by the city’s construction management program, which provided the city better oversight and accountability over road construction projects. Construction management is also being employed on the construction of the new Bayview Avenue, which is expected to be completed on schedule next month, and the widening of Caillavet Street, where the initial phases have begun on Anglada Street.

During the ceremony Wednesday, Mayor Holloway is also expected to outline the construction timetable for the remainder of Popp’s Ferry Road – the section between the Popp’s Ferry causeway and Jam Lane.

“We’re ready to get started in a few weeks,” Holloway said, “and even though it’s going to be in two phases, we’re hoping to have the entire job completed in about 18 months, which would be in November 2004. The good news is that we won’t be detouring traffic off Popp’s Ferry Road, like we had to do on the current phase. In fact, the first thing we’re going to do when we begin the next phase is construct a temporary driving lane from the causeway to Jam Lane so we’ll have enough room for motorists and construction workers.”

For a quick overview of the major projects the city has underway or in the works, click here.