Potential railroad crossing closures in Biloxi

The City of Biloxi is looking to open two new boulevard railroad crossings to make way for the Popps Ferry extension and the east Biloxi transportation loop.
First, they’ll have to close six existing railroad crossings in order to secure permission from CSX. A study conducted by the city suggests closing the crossings at Nixon Street, Holley Street, Iroquois Street, Keller Avenue, Dorries Street, and Querens Avenue. Councilman George Lawrence expressed concerns for the businesses that might lose traffic due to the closures.
With the anticipated start of high speed passenger train traffic, Mayor Andrew ‘FoFo’ Gilich says safety is a major concern. “In my lifetime, I’ve known three people get killed. I’ve seen milk all over the highway, all over the railroad tracks. I’ve seen Pepsi-Cola recently, as well as shrimp. I mean, it’s dangerous. It’s got 22 crossings, six unguarded and a lot of them that’s not very graceful to cross. It’s very important.”
Before the council votes on these proposed closures, they will hold a public hearing to hear input from residents. That meeting is set for Tuesday, March 21st after the regular scheduled council meeting at 1:30.