Biloxi Public Works crews this morning applied a mix of sand and salt to a half-dozen locations susceptible to icing, police officers are shelter rides to the homeless, and city leaders are recommending that motorists continue to limit travel as the city braced for colder weather.
The Public Works staff had originally planned to begin applying sand and salt to roadways at 4 this morning, but held off until the weather began worsening. The chore began shortly before 9:30 and was completed a couple hours later. Crews remain on standby.
“They didn’t want to put the salt down too early, so they waited until it would be most effective,” said Chief Administrative Officer David Nichols. “They actually began applying the mix at 9:22 this morning, when the temperature was 33 degrees, with a wind chill in the 20s.”
Among the locations treated were the Popp’s Ferry Bridge, parts of Cedar Lake Road, Highway 67 at Rue Sanchez, and interstate overpasses at Shorecrest and Lorraine roads. Among the Biloxi locations being treated by Mississippi Department of Transportation crews were the Biloxi Bay Bridge, the I-110 highrise, I-10 at Cedar Lake and Woolmarket exits, I-10 at the Tchoutacabouffa River, and Highway 67 bridges north of Sangani.
“There’s been a lot of work and preparation done on these roadways,” Nichols said, “but the fact is, the public needs to be aware that Biloxi has many small, typically unnoticed bridges on many local roadways. People should stay off the roads.”
Nichols said an announcement could be made later today regarding city operations for Wednesday. The city is relaying information through periodic updates of its info line at 228-435-6300 and more frequently on its Facebook page at facebook.com/cobiloxi.
Biloxi Police Chief John Miller said officers are visiting homeless camps in wooded areas of the city to offer the homeless rides to shelters set up at the D’Iberville Civic Center Multi-Purpose Building or the Salvation Army in Gulfport.
Said Miller: “Our advice is that this weather is just going to be too bad for them. It’s continuing to get colder and ice is beginning to form.”
Weather forecast: To see the current forecast and weather advisories, click here.
Space heaters: The Biloxi Fire Department is reminding residents to use caution when using space heaters. To see the department’s winter safety tips, click here.
Hard Rock: Hard Rock announced that because of the inclement weather the new Platinum Tower party scheduled for Wednesday has been delayed until Thursday.
Public transit: Coast Transit has announced that fixed route services will operate as scheduled, road conditions permitting, except for RT24 Keesler. which will not operate, and the Casino
Hopper, which will end service at 8 this evening. Transportation to cold weather shelters in Harrison County will
be available on the fixed route service. All beachfront bus stations are closed.
Like us on Facebook: If you haven’t done it yet, it’s time to Like the city’s Facebook presence. To go to the page, click here.
