Heading to the Beach? Here’s How to Avoid Construction at the Mississippi-Louisiana State Line
If you are a Louisiana resident planning a trip to the Mississippi Gulf Coast or the beautiful beaches of Alabama and Florida, get ready to encounter a sea of orange traffic cones before you reach the azure blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. A massive road construction project is currently underway at the Mississippi and Louisiana state line, causing major delays and frustration for travelers.
Most of the construction work is concentrated on the Mississippi side of the state line, but the challenging terrain consisting of bridges and swamps can sometimes lead to confusion about which state you’re in. The eastbound lanes of I-10, heavily used by those heading to the beach, are currently congested due to the roadwork. The situation is not expected to improve until August, meaning hours of frustrating traffic delays for beachgoers. Fortunately, there is an alternative route that might save you precious time and sanity.
Rather than taking the direct but traffic-prone I-10 route, consider taking a slightly longer, but less congested, detour. While we won’t call it a shortcut in terms of mileage, it could significantly reduce your travel time. This alternative route is similar to our popular avoid the tunnel in Mobile, Alabama hack. It may involve a slightly longer journey, but the lack of traffic will allow you to reach your beach destination much faster.
Before you get too excited, eager to take this detour, it’s important to note that the Highway 90 alternate route through Pearlington is currently closed indefinitely. However, fear not, as there is another option available if you’re willing to drive like a local.
To bypass the construction and heavy traffic, you should exit I-10 or I-12 and head north on I-59. After a short distance, take Exit 1, known as the Nicholson Exit. This will lead you to the intersection with Mississippi State Highway 607.
From there, take MS 607 South. Keep in mind that you’ll pass near the John C. Stennis Space Center facility, which may result in a temporary loss of cell service due to the buffer zone required for rocket tests. However, rest assured that you will eventually reconnect with I-10 near the Mississippi Welcome Center, bringing you closer to your destination without the hassle of sitting in construction-related traffic.
On your return trip to Louisiana, simply reverse these directions since construction is also affecting the westbound lanes of I-10 at the state line. To ensure you don’t forget about this detour, consider setting a reminder in your phone. After a relaxing few days at the beach, the last thing you want to do is find yourself stuck in frustrating traffic.
So, if you’re planning a beach getaway but dreading the traffic jams caused by the ongoing road construction at the Mississippi and Louisiana state line, this detour could be a game-changer. While it may involve a longer drive in terms of miles, the decreased traffic will allow you to reach your sun-soaked destination much faster. Remember to drive safely and like a local while exploring this alternative route.
Whether you’re heading eastbound or westbound on I-10, a little detour can make a world of difference in your travel experience.
