Ocean Springs News
OS Board of Aldermen Accepts MDOT Memorandum Agreement for New Bridge Park
Ocean Springs, MS – Biloxi Bay Bridge walkers will soon enjoy a new park at the foot of the bridge in Ocean Springs, thanks to an economic stimulus project managed by MDOT. The Ocean Springs Board of Aldermen unanimously accepted the memorandum of agreement with MDOT for the half million dollar project at Tuesday night’s Board meeting.
Plans for the small green space between the bridge and the Ocean Springs Yacht Club include piping of an open drainage ditch near the mosaic bridge panels, benches, decorative fencing, trash receptacles, landscaping and steps to access the bridge from the sidewalk near the mosaic panels. Stretching equipment for walkers will also be erected.
The park will be the center pont for pedestrians using the walkway beneath the bridge to access the pier and parking area proposed by the county on the north side of the bridge. A new walkway on Front Beach connecting the bridge to the harbor is now under construction, facilitating accesss to other recreational amenities along Front Beach Drive such as Fort Maurepas Park and the Community Pier.
The project will also extend the sidewalk on the north side of Porter Avenue from the bridge to connect toward downtown.
“We are grateful for this economic stimulus funding through MDOT to make the gateway to our community even more inviting as well as functional,” said Mayor Connie Moran.
Alderman Matt McDonnell, Ward 2, heralded the project as one that “continues the implementation of the Beach Master Plan.”
As part of the agreement with MDOT, the City of Ocean Springs will be responsible for the maintenance and security of the park following its completion. City officials hope to open the new park in early Springs.
