State orders closure of busy South Mississippi bridge and local officials have no idea why
Last week’s closure of the Hanshaw Road Bridge in Ocean Springs is sending traffic through neighborhoods and shifting drop-off routines at several nearby schools.
The closure has stopped through traffic from Highway 90 to Old Spanish Trail.
Alderman Rob Blackman, who represents the area, said the state told the city last week it had to close the bridge. It is unclear what prompted the closure or when the bridge will re-open. Blackman said the city is trying to find a temporary solution “to get the bridge reopened as soon as possible until a permanent fix can be made.”
The closure means traffic to Ocean Springs Middle School must come from Old Spanish Trail. Detours are causing traffic on Knapp and Park roads and also the Bienville Place and Heron Bayou subdivisions, Blackman said.
It is also creating backups near Ocean Springs Middle School, Ocean Springs High School and Magnolia Park Elementary.
“We’re seeing a lot more congestion,” said Trey Brennan, director of communications for the district.
Brennan said the schools have rerouted about a dozen buses through the Highway 57 intersection. That means some students are being dropped off earlier than normal, because buses are now stopping at the high school first. A parking lot at the middle school on Hanshaw Road is still open. Brennan also said there were several tardy students at the middle school and at Magnolia Park Elementary on Monday morning.
Blackman said the state has not explained why the bridge had to close. The city is seeking that information so it can make temporary repairs that would let the bridge open while city leaders plan “for what I would assume to be a total replacement of the existing bridge,” he said.
The Ocean Springs Police Department has increased traffic patrols in surrounding neighborhoods. Ocean Springs Public Works has erected signs asking drivers to avoid the area. Blackman said the city has received complaints that drivers are speeding and running stop signs.
“It would be great if motorists would avoid the area and not use the neighborhoods as a cut through during this process,” Blackman said. “If you must, please be mindful of the residents.”
The state will re-inspect the bridge before it opens.
The city recommends several detours.
Drivers detouring from Highway 90 can go west to Park Road, then south to VFW Drive, east to Knapp Road, north to Government Street and east to Hanshaw Road. Cars can also take Highway 90 to Highway 57, then go south to Old Spanish Trail and west to Hanshaw Road.
Drivers detouring from Old Spanish Trail can go west to Knapp Road, turn south to VFW Drive, turn right on Park Road and take Highway 90 east to Hanshaw Road. Cars can also take Old Spanish Trail east to Highway 57, turn north toward Highway 90, then head west to Hanshaw Road.
This story was originally published March 10, 2025 at 11:07 AM.