Frequently asked questions about spring break traffic plan

 

Why is there a traffic plan?

The traffic plan was developed by local authorities to keep traffic moving during spring break. It is based on similar plans developed by cities where spring break was held.

Under the plan in our community, a stretch of U.S. 90 in east Gulfport (from about Cowan Road) and west Biloxi (to about Rodenburg Avenue) will be limited to one lane in each direction on U.S. 90, with the inside lane reserved for emergency vehicles only. Access off U.S. 90 is also limited.

In some instances, traffic congestion may prompt local authorities to “vent” traffic, funneling it to Interstate 10 and then eastward to Exit 57. Local authorities will make a decision Friday on when and if the overall traffic plan will be implemented, and the public will be notified through the media and online, particularly if traffic is “vented” during the weekend.

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 local drivers to get them where they are trying to go.

However, if “venting” is in process and you are on U.S. 90, you may find yourself in traffic that is being funneled toward I-10 and then eastward to Exit 57 before you could turn around and head back to Biloxi. 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 will be open, unless authorities must “vent” traffic off U.S. 90 to relieve congestion. In this event, traffic exits will be closed and traffic will be routed as far as Exit 57, which is at Mississippi Highway 57, where you will then be allowed to turn around.

Officers will do their best to work with local residents to get them where they need to go.

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. Consult the traffic plan on this web site to determine access onto U.S. 90. Between Cowan Road in Gulfport and Rodenberg in Biloxi, traffic will be limited to one lane in each direction on U.S. 90, with the inside lane reserved for emergency vehicles only. Officers will do the best they can to help traffic get to where it needs to go.

I have a son who is staying at a hotel in west Biloxi this weekend. I was planning to visit him. How can I get to the hotel?

If the hotel is on the north side of U.S. 90, the best way to access it is to get on U.S. 90 at one of the open connecting streets from the east – either Veterans Avenue, White Avenue. If the hotel is on the south side of U.S. 90, the best way to access it is from one of the open connecting streets in Gulfport – such as DeBuys Road, Teagarden Road or Courthouse Road.

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, local media 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 via I-110, and eastbound traffic on U.S. 90 in Gulfport is turned onto Cowan to I-10. From I-10, traffic is funneled toward Mississippi 57, where it is then allowed to return to Biloxi.

Officials will decide whether to vent based on the level of congestion 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 to I get to the Coliseum?

Those attending any weekend events at the Coast Coliseum should access the Coliseum from Pass Road. If the traffic plan is implemented Friday, 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. Additionally, residents of Maison D’Orleans Apartments and the adjoining subdivision should also use this route. The west gate in Parking Lot E will be opened for their use.

How can I find out more information about the traffic plan?

On Friday afternoon at 5, a phone line will be activated to handle questions from the public. The number will be announced here and in the media when the number is activated. Until then, stay tuned to local radio, TV and newspaper, and visit 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.