Orange cones will return to Highway 90 for Black spring break. Here’s the traffic plan.
Black Spring Break is back for its 12th year on the Mississippi Coast. From Thursday evening’s Gulfport festivities to Sunday’s car show, an abundance of people and traffic will line U.S. 90.
During its early days, gridlock was an annual occurrence along the beachfront. The City of Biloxi came up with a traffic plan to ensure the city could respond to emergencies and an ever growing crowd.
“What’s unique about this event is there are outdoor events, usually from the Coliseum to the beaches,” said Biloxi Police Capt. Milton Houseman. “There will be DJs and live concerts throughout the day. From Pine Grove Ave. and Highway 90 all the way to the coliseum will be the largest concentration of young folks.”
Traffic plan in Biloxi, Gulfport
Biloxi drivers can expect to see traffic cones lining U.S. 90 between Interstate 110 and DeBuys Road this weekend, extending to Cowan Road if necessary.
“It will slow traffic down and make it easier for people to yield to pedestrians crossing the street,” Houseman said, calling the cones a safety measure.
The cones could also play a role in venting Highway 90 if traffic is gridlocked. “
We close those intersections and push the traffic east and west only,” Houseman said. One lane of traffic will be closed to allow access for emergency vehicles and traffic will be pushed from U.S. 90 to as far as I-10. You can receive traffic alerts by texting BILOXI to 99411.
“Highway 90 really is the only lifeline that you can get through the area. There are only two ways to get east to west. That’s Pass Road and Highway 90 – even Pass Road ends at the base,” Houseman said.
Houseman said traffic will be at its heaviest Saturday afternoon. He recommended using Pass Road instead of Highway 90, but locals are used to the routine.
“The good thing is if you want to go to 90 you’re probably going to the event,” he said. “People just need to be prepared to add 10 to 15 minutes to their commute.”
Due to the anticipated spring break traffic along Hwy. 90 and Pass Road, Coast Transit Authority modified service for this weekend.
Here’s what to know:
Friday’s Beachcomber route, the trolley that runs from Jones Park Beach along U.S. 90 to the casinos in Biloxi, will end service at around 12:35 p.m. at Edgewater Mall and discontinue Friday evening routes, as well as Saturday and Sunday service.
Route 34, which runs from 23rd Ave. in Gulfport to Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Biloxi, will also limit service for the three-day weekend. On Friday and Saturday, there will be no service to Eisenhower Dr., C.T. Switzer Road or Edgewater Mall after 4:45 p.m. Pass Road will end service at around 6:53 p.m. The route will resume Sunday’s Pass Road stops, but expect some traffic delays.
For additional route information, contact CTA at 896-8080 or visit www.coasttransit.com.
This story was originally published April 7, 2022 at 8:00 AM with the headline "Orange cones will return to Highway 90 for Black spring break. Here’s the traffic plan.."
