Just how often does the Fort Bayou Bridge get stuck open? Here’s what MDOT says

The Fort Bayou Bridge in Ocean Springs has malfunctioned three times this fall.

The recent problems are the latest of seven malfunctions on the bridge over the last three years, according to the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

The malfunctions, which often leave the drawbridge stuck open and prompt traffic backups, have been caused by unconnected problems, according to MDOT. Lightning strikes have burned some bridge parts. A power surge has also prompted issues. Once, high wind broke part of the gate designed to stop traffic when the bridge is open.

“It’s really been random things,” said Cape Jones, an MDOT district maintenance engineer. “It hasn’t been a pattern of something that’s predictable and preventable.”

The problems have been generally infrequent. But, by poor luck, the Fort Bayou Drawbridge has malfunctioned two years in a row during Cruisin’ The Coast.

The bridge is a main thoroughfare into Ocean Springs. Karen Stennis, an alderwoman who represents the area, said she does not receive calls from residents complaining about the bridge, which is maintained by MDOT, not the city. “But I know it’s annoying,” she said. “We don’t want it to be closed down any more than it has to be.”

Repairing the bridge

Fixing a malfunction can take minutes or hours. First, MDOT sends a technician to the bridge to identify the problem. Sometimes, the agency can get the drawbridge to lower safely to let traffic flow as a crew finishes permanent repairs. Other times, contractors have to order specific parts.

The Fort Bayou Bridge closed for two months in 2021 for upgrades, and it is also regularly inspected. The bridge is currently rated in fair condition under standards set by the Federal Highway Administration that require the state to inspect and rate each part of a bridge on a scale of failed to excellent.

The bridge opens between 40 and 60 times a year for boats, Jones said, and it is also full of safety devices.

“It doesn’t take much,” he said. “If anything is out of the ordinary, it won’t let us open or won’t let us close.”

This story was originally published October 29, 2025 at 10:34 AM.