Scrapin’ the Coast, the car, truck and bike show that has attracted as many as 16,000 auto enthusiasts in previous years, returns to Biloxi this weekend and Biloxi Police will be using the same traffic plan as for Spring Break.
That means motorists can expect to see U.S. 90 limited to one lane of traffic eastbound and one lane westbound from I-110 to DeBuys Road during peak periods. The interior lanes would be reserved for emergency vehicles. Police have said that although traffic cones would be placed in center lanes, the plan would be used only if traffic begins to gridlock. Signs along U.S. 90 and the city’s B-Alert text advisories would notify motorists.
Touted as “the wildest show on the Coast,” Scrapin’ the Coast is expected to draw more than 2,300 registered vehicles, who would be on Biloxi roadways, primarily U.S. 90, Friday through Sunday. Cars and trucks in the show have been customized to ride low to the ground, hence the name “Scrapin’ the Coast.”
The show will be at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and feature live music, burnout contest, hydraulic contest, stereo competition, truck debuts from Gas Monkey Garage, vendors including Classic Car Studio Speed Shops from the Velocity channel show Speed is the New Black, car and truck show, and more. Admission is $15.
Organizers encourage participants to cruise U.S. 90 and believe the traffic plan will help alleviate past traffic complaints about traffic congestion.
“We want everyone to enjoy the event and we are excited about the traffic plan,” said Ronny Tolar, one of the event organizers. “By keeping one lane moving, traffic will be better managed.”
The traffic plan, developed to keep traffic flowing safely and to make sure roadways are accessible to emergency responders, has several phases. They include restricting traffic to the right hand lanes, closing unsignalized intersections, and, finally, venting traffic to I-110 or Cowan Road, which is a process where police close all turn lanes and force traffic east or west and then northward.
To keep up with traffic advisories during the event, residents and visitors should sign up for B-Alert by texting BILOXI to 888777.
See more about Scrapin’ the Coast
See more about the Scrapin’ the Coast traffic plan
See more about traffic plans
News & notes: Keesler gate; Council; Weekly report
Temporary closure of White Avenue gate: The Keesler Air Force Base White Avenue gate will close Wednesday at 6 a.m. until Friday at 6 p.m. while Hemphill Construction, as a part of the infrastructure work south of the CSX railway, installs a 16-foot water line along the north side of Irish Hill at White Avenue. During the closure, traffic will be routed to the Pass Road and Forrest Avenue gates.
City Council: Biloxi City Council had its last meeting of the month this afternoon at Biloxi City Hall. To see images from the gathering, click here.
The week that was: Last week, the Fire Department answered 143 calls for service, including 99 medical emergencies and six fires; the Police Department handled 2,144 calls for service; the Community Development Department issued 70 building permits with a construction valuation of more than $5 million; and the Engineering Department continued to progress on projects throughout the city. To see the reports covering last week, click here.
