Biloxi says Popp’s Ferry extension is nearing completion as traffic changes approach

Biloxi Mayor Andrew Gilich said July 14 that the Popp’s Ferry Road extension was approximately 75% to 80% complete, with a ribbon cutting still targeted for the end of 2026 and traffic expected to begin using the new connection in January 2027.

Gilich gave the update at a Biloxi Chamber of Commerce event, according to WLOX. His figure is the latest reported progress estimate, not an independently verified construction measurement. The year-end ribbon-cutting target and January traffic expectation are also not final completion, inspection or opening dates.

A new north-south connection

The project extends Popp’s Ferry Road south of Pass Road to U.S. 90. Project materials describe an approximately 1.5-mile, four-lane corridor in Biloxi.

The new route is intended to provide another connection between the Pass Road area and the U.S. 90 corridor. That could give Pass Road commuters and people traveling to the Mississippi Coast Coliseum area another route to consider, especially during busy periods. The available evidence does not establish a guaranteed travel-time reduction or show that the project will eliminate congestion.

Signals, rail crossing and Coliseum-area work

The documented scope includes signalized intersections, roadway lighting, sidewalks and a railroad crossing. Earlier construction reporting described water, sewer and storm-drain work, along with a retaining wall leading toward an underpass near Coast Coliseum property. The city’s 2026 State of the City presentation also described roadway lighting and traffic-signal work, drainage, a new railroad crossing, a signalized Beach Boulevard intersection and paving as part of the project’s progress and remaining work.

The available records do not support describing the railroad crossing as grade-separated. WLOX reported that the route will cross railroad tracks, while the city presentation referred to a new crossing and a retaining wall near the Coliseum parking area.

City records show related actions

The Biloxi City Council’s revised April 7, 2026, agenda listed several actions connected to the project and surrounding transportation network. The agenda included an MPO application for installation of a traffic signal at Motsie Road and Popp’s Ferry Road, authorization for an MDOT right-of-way use agreement, and a municipal budget amendment to reflect legal expenses connected with Capital Project No. 913, Popp’s Ferry Extension.

Those agenda items document related signal, right-of-way and administrative work. They do not establish that the route is ready for public traffic or that the project has received final opening authorization.

What drivers should watch next

The next milestones are the remaining roadway, drainage, signal, railroad-crossing and paving work; any traffic-control changes; and formal city or MDOT announcements about inspection and opening arrangements.

For now, Biloxi’s schedule remains a projected sequence: the mayor estimated construction at roughly three-quarters to four-fifths complete as of July 14, officials are targeting a ribbon cutting by the end of 2026, and traffic is expected to use the connection in January 2027. Future state-road designation has been discussed as a possible consequence of the new connection, but the available evidence does not show that designation has occurred.

Sources

• WLOX: Biloxi mayor gives update on city projects, Popp’s Ferry Road extension
• City of Biloxi: 2026 State of the City
• Mississippi Department of Transportation: Officials break ground on Popp’s Ferry extension project