Police suggest routes for Edgewater Mall traffic

The Biloxi Police Department is asking motorists to help minimize the traffic congestion expected near Edgewater Mall Friday and throughout the Thanksgiving weekend, the traditional kickoff of the holiday shopping season.

Police have posted signs on Pass Road asking that Gulfport motorists traveling to the mall use DeBuys Road and C.T. Switzer Sr. Drive, and that Biloxi motorists turn south on Eisenhower Drive to reach the mall.

All traffic leaving the mall should use the roadway on the east side of the mall property to help reduce traffic on Eisenhower Drive, which traditionally carries bumper-to-bumper traffic the day after Thanksgiving.

“Traffic near the mall after Thanksgiving was heavy and slow-moving before the hurricane,” Police Chief Bruce Dunagan said, “and with Highway 90 still out of service, we know it’s going to be especially trying. We’ve been closely monitoring the traffic patterns near the mall the past several days, and we’re asking motorists to use the routes we’ve outlined.

“We’ll do everything we can to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently, and we’ll adjust the plan as warranted.“

During peak times, Dunagan said, police officers will direct traffic at key intersections near the mall.

No Veterans Avenue access to U.S. 90 on Thursday

Biloxi Police will not implement the U.S. 90 access at Veterans Avenue on Thursday since it’s a holiday. The access, which allows eastbound motorists access to I-110 via U.S. 90 at Veterans, will resume Friday afternoon and continue each weekday afternoon until further notice.