For over twenty years it has been recognized that another North/South route from Biloxi is needed. The Cedar Lake interchange, according to some, was designed to be the point at which a North/South connector would join I-10. Study after study has demonstrated that the connector should be from Rodenberg to Cedar Lake. The most recent and most comprehensive study is Biloxi’s “VISION 2020, THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.” This plan was assembled to provide for the integrated and orderly development of a planned transportation system. Such a plan prevents patchwork and inefficient road building. This plan called for two ground level routes to be built over a period of time with the first being built immediately as the City’s top priority. This top priority is the Rodenberg to Cedar Lake route. This route
would provide a closer union of the central part of Biloxi to the
now isolated eastern end of Ward It is indisputable that the Rodenberg and Cedar Lake route could be built the quickest, for the least money, and would do Biloxi and the surrounding areas the most good. KAFB has some concerns about this route. However, for any concerns KAFB has, there are solutions for those concerns. Furthermore, a new bridge at Rodenberg would greatly improve Keesler's access during any potential emergencies, as well as improve day-to-day access to the base by its many personnel. Rodenberg has already been designated a defense access road and eligible for federal funding. Such federal funding would pay for up to 90-percent of the cost of the road south of the Back Bay, which may be extendible to include a roadway to the north. The only thing that it would take to make this route
possible is for the city to make a decision
and then make it
It is way past the time to get a new bridge built. Widening the Popps Ferry Bridge or building a new bridge there as currently pursued by Biloxi Mayor A.J. Holloway is pure folly, a distraction of city resources, and no solution. Since Hurricane Katrina, it has become patently clear that Biloxi must have another North-South route from the city. Hurricane Katrina took out the Popps Ferry Bridge, the U.S. 90 Bridge, and even a portion of the I-110 bridge for a short while. Keesler's viability as a base also needs the additional bridge we propose. In light of the expected post-Katrina development that Biloxi will experience over the next decade, the Rodenberg Bridge must be built and now is the time to get MDOT and federal transportation authorities behind the effort. But more importantly, new condominium development on the Biloxi peninsula and more casino developments are expected to dramatically increase traffic loads on the city. We are already far behind on road development, and MDOT's latest announcements that they have no solution to the city's transportation needs is a insult. It is time for the city to act on its own advice and on the results of numerous studies, and common sense. About the Authors Royce Hignight is a long time Coast resident and retired FBI Agent who, after retirement, has spent a considerable amount of time examining the area's transportation needs and participating in citizen groups interested in resolving Biloxi's transportation problems. He currently operates a private investigative and consulting service. Contact the Author: mailto:hignight@cableone.net Keith Burton owns and operates GulfCoastNews.com and served four years on the Biloxi Planning Commission in the mid 1990's during the time the VISION 2020 plan was developed that called for a bridge connecting Rodenberg and Cedar Lake. He is an award-winning journalist with over 25 years professional news experience including professional work in radio, television, newspapers and the Internet. He also writes on a freelance basis for a variety of national automotive and boating magazines.
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7, the fastest developing area of
Biloxi. This is also the area where the new high school is located. The School Board, City
Council, Citizens, and others have overwhelmingly
endorsed this route in actions in the recent past. 
happen. The
mayor and city leaders should step forth and take the lead instead of
kowtowing to MDOT and special interest groups.