Why is there a traffic plan?
The traffic plan was developed by local authorities to keep traffic flowing safely and to make sure roadways were accessible to emergency responders. Biloxi also employs traffic plans for such events as Mardi Gras and the Cruisin’ the Coast Downtown Biloxi Block Party.
Under the plan that may be implemented in the next several days, a section of U.S. 90 in west Biloxi and east Gulfport may be limited to one lane of traffic in each direction, with the inside lane reserved for emergency vehicles. Access to U.S. 90 from connecting streets also may be limited.
In some instances, traffic congestion may prompt local authorities to “vent” traffic, funneling it to Interstate 10. Local authorities will make a decision when and if the overall traffic plan will be implemented based on the volume and flow of traffic. The public will be notified through city emails, known as Bmails, and through the media, particularly if traffic is “vented” during the weekend.
When will the plan be implemented?
Initial phases of the plan may not even be noticed when they are implemented. They involve monitoring the volume and flow of traffic into Biloxi, and continuing to monitor the volume and flow on U.S. 90 and on nearby thoroughfares.
The volume and flow of traffic will dictate further implementation of the plan.
The public will be notified through Bmail alerts from the City of Biloxi, which will also be relayed through local media. You can sign up to receive Bmail alerts directly from the city by visiting https://biloxi.ms.us
I have heard that if I show my local driver’s license then I can get to my home or place of employment during the traffic plan. Is this true?
It depends. Police officers are going to try to work with drivers to get them where they are trying to go.
However, if enhanced phases of the traffic plan or employed, such as limited lane usage or “venting” is underway, motorists on U.S. 90 may find themselves being funneled toward I-10. Venting will be employed only as needed to relieve congestion, and if officers tried to accommodate every motorist during the venting process, traffic would be brought to a standstill, defeating the purpose of the plan.
Every effort will be made to notify local media in advance about venting, and the process will be used only when needed.
I live in Biloxi and want to avoid getting caught up in the traffic. What advice do you have for me?
Here’s the best advice: Avoid U.S. 90.
Use alternate routes, such as Pass Road, Irish Hill, Division Street or Popp’s Ferry Road.
Expect heavy and slow-moving traffic.
Leave early and carpool when possible. Be patient.
Exits off Interstate 10 into Biloxi will be open, but are subject to being closed depending on the volume of traffic and whether traffic venting is underway.
Officers will do their best to work with local residents to get them where they need to go. Motorists must follow the directions of police officers.
I have heard a lot about the spring break traffic plan. I work at a business on Highway 90 in west Biloxi. Will I be able to get to work?
Many intersections on U.S. 90 will be blocked. Between Cowan Road in Gulfport and near Rodenberg in Biloxi, traffic may be limited to one lane in each direction on U.S. 90, with the inside lane reserved for emergency vehicles. Officers will do the best they can to help traffic get to where it needs to go.
Please explain traffic “venting” to me.
The “venting” process may be needed to relieve congestion on U.S. 90. If authorities determine that “venting” is required, the city will transmit a Bmail to those who have signed up on the city web site, and local media also will be notified to broadcast alerts to their audiences. During venting, westbound traffic on U.S. 90 at Rodenberg is turned eastward and sent to I-10, and eastbound traffic on U.S. 90 in Gulfport is turned onto Cowan to I-10. From I-10, traffic is funneled either eastward or westward before being allowed to return to Biloxi.
Officials will decide whether to vent based on the volume and flow of traffic on U.S. 90.
Stay tuned to your local radio and TV stations for any notices regarding venting.
I’m going to an event at the Coast Coliseum this weekend, but I understand Beauvoir Road is closed. How do I get to the Coliseum?
Those attending any weekend events at the Coast Coliseum should access the Coliseum from Pass Road and travel south on Beauvoir. If the traffic plan is implemented, motorists are advised to avoid U.S. 90 because they will not have access north to Beauvoir Road. However, officers will be posted at Beauvoir Road and Pass Road to assist motorists to go south on Beauvoir Road to the Coast Coliseum.
How can I find out more information about the traffic plan?
Before the weekend, special informational phone lines will be activated to handle questions from the public.
Information also will be released from the City of Biloxi via Bmail alerts. Sign up for these free alerts on the city web site at https://biloxi.ms.us.
Meantime, if you have questions, e-mail vcreel@biloxi.ms.us. We’ll try to get questions answered as soon as possible.
