Traffic expected to increase this afternoon

The volume of traffic on U.S. 90 east and west of the Coast Coliseum is expected to begin increasing in the next couple hours and into the evening, Biloxi Police Chief John Miller says, based on experience from past spring break events.

This morning, traffic was light along U.S. 90, but spring break events inside the Coast Coliseum were expected to drive vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The arena is hosting eight hours of entertainment, including a rap dance and a “swim wear affair.” A $15 admission wristband would allow re-entrance to the event, which runs from 3 to 11 p.m. event.

“Somewhere around mid-afternoon, 2 p.m. or so, you’ll see a lot of traffic,” Miller said, “and that will continue to grow and to get thicker and thicker until 6:30 or 7 p.m., and then it might begin to ease off at 9 or 10 o’clock before it begins getting back to normal.”

It was unclear how many spring breakers would attend the Coliseum event today; 1,400 attended a spring break-style concert at the venue Thursday night. Coliseum contracts had forecast an attendance of 4,000 for Thursday evening and 500 today.

“We’ve seen numerous fliers and advertisements for events,” Miller said, “but no official permits have been issued, other than the two by the Coast Coliseum.

“Like we’ve said all along, we want everyone to have a good time, but we also have to make sure that traffic continues moving in an orderly fashion.”

Beachfront public parking areas will close at 10 p.m. and re-open Sunday morning.

News and notes

Traffic plan Q&A: You can find answers to some of the frequently asked questions regarding the city’s special event traffic plan by clicking here.

Info line: The city’s info line is updated as needed at (228) 435-6300. City info is also relayed through Vincent Creel on Facebook and @vcreel on Twitter.

The weekend overview: To see the overall weekend entertainment lineup, as compiled by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau, click here.