Sidewalk to be Built to Connect Popps Ferry & Atkinson

A new project in west Biloxi is paving the way for safety as construction begins on a sidewalk that will link the Popps Ferry area to Hiller Park.

News 25 was on hand for Wednesday’s groundbreaking and we caught up with some area residents who shared their stories about the risky commute they’ve been making in the area and how they believe this long awaited project will make the roads safer in the long run.

If seeing is believing, this turn of the dirt means they’re off to a good start as the first part of a two phase sidewalk project gets underway near Popps Ferry and Atkinson Roads in Biloxi. The project will make nearby residents, Frances Brown and Jack Fields’, daily traveling routine a lot easier and safer. Brown says, "We go next door to the senior citizen place every day, and when we go up to the church, we have to go back up Atkinson Road to the church."

They take that daily trip on a scooter and a prayer, as they now have no choice but to ride their scooters on the road in traffic and in harm’s way. Fields says, "Some traffic they will go around. Others, they want to try to run you off the road."

This is just one reason behind Biloxi Councilwoman, Dixie Newman’s, drive to get a new sidewalk. When completed, the $80,000 project will help make the roads safer for those traveling by car, on foot, and even on scooters. Newman says, "I went to the City of Biloxi as soon as I was elected, telling them how important this project was. I went to the county with Windy Swetman and Connie Rockco and I asked them for help."

The highly anticipated sidewalk would span 5,500 feet, connecting Atkinson Road and Popps Ferry Road neighborhoods with a five foot green space, separating the road from the sidewalk. Brown also says, "It means safety. I’ve been run off the road twice since I’ve moved here and we really needed it." Fields closes, "We’ve been hoping for it for a long time. We travel down Atkinson and basically, you take your life in your hands when you’re in your scooter."

The project is expected to wrap up in about three months.