Ocean Springs leaders make final preps for Fort Bayou Drawbridge closure

In less than a week, the Fort Bayou Drawbridge will shutdown for repairs, causing local leaders to make their final preparations in notifying the public.

The intersection of Bienville Boulevard and Washington Avenue will look quite different one week from now as Ocean Springs city leaders make their final preps for the Fort Bayou Drawbridge closure at 10 p.m. on March 14^th. Ocean Springs Mayor Shea Dobson said, “The bridge is an essential part of Ocean Springs, and we need to make sure that everyone can get in and out of the city very safely.”

MDOT will close the bridge to all traffic for around 45 days so the structure’s bearings and shafts can be replaced requiring drivers to access the city via the Biloxi Bay Bridge or Highway 57.

City leaders and the Chamber of Commerce are making sure residents and guests are staying informed during this closure, including by handing out detour maps to local businesses. Cynthia Sutton with the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce said, “We’ve met with MDOT, counties, neighboring cities, even a couple of the casinos to try to work together.”

One event that may feel some impacts from the closure is the Spring Arts Festival that kicks off on March 27^th and officials say that’s why they are spreading the word about the detours as much as possible. “The Spring Arts Festival is one of those events that really help our local businesses sustain, so it’s very important that we do everything that we can to draw traffic to our downtown area.”

Mayor Dobson says once the closure takes effect, motorists should plan their commutes carefully. “Definitely plan to leave early, whenever possible, and you know you don’t have to necessarily get on the highway, you know, you can certainly come down Government Street.”

Despite the temporary measures in place for the closure, leaders stress the city remains ready to welcome everyone. “Ocean Springs is always going to keep moving regardless of what the world throws at us, and we’re going to keep our world-class festivals going and just provide a phenomenal opportunity for everybody to see what Ocean Springs is about.”