MDOT limits access at bridge construction site

MDOT has created two daytime-only observation areas to safely accommodate the streams of people who have visited the Point Cadet construction site where work is underway on a new U.S. 90 bridge between Biloxi and Ocean Springs.

Motorists traveling along U.S. 90 toward the construction site will be directed to turn north at Myrtle Street to access a viewing location on Cadet Street, or south at Myrtle Street to access the former J.L. Scott Marine Education Cetner parking lot east of the Isle of Capri.

“While we understand there is a keen interest in viewing the progress of rebuilding the Biloxi Bay Bridge, we must warn people of the danger of entering construction zones of this magnitude,” said District Six Engineer Ricky Lee.

“With the presence of cranes and other large construction equipment, it is imperative that citizens stay out of harm’s way and use only designated viewing areas.”

Lee asked that tour bus companies and others adhere to the newly established access points.

“I appreciate MDOT for taking into account the huge amount of interest in this new bridge and for establishing these viewing locations,” Mayor A.J. Holloway said. “I also hope that the people who visit the construction site will cooperate and remain within the safety of the viewing areas.”

On the Ocean Springs side of the bridge, the railroad overpass will be replaced and the roadway between the overpass and the Bay Bridge will be reconstructed. Because of the upcoming construction along Highway 90, motorists are urged not to view bridge building operations in the work zone. Ocean Springs Project Engineer Kelly Castleberry is asking that motorists not stop along the route to view the bridge within the project limits.

“Our concern is that people will stop to view the bridge in the construction zone,” said Castleberry. “For traffic to flow well through the work zone, we are asking that motorists move through the roadways and view construction elsewhere.” Castleberry said motorists wishing to view the bridge from Ocean Springs will be able to do so by accessing Front Beach Drive.

Related info online

–To see the MDOT announcement on the new observation areas, click here.

—To see background on the new bridge and an artist’s rendering, click here.