Hurricane Katrina destroyed the existing 1.6-mile US 90 Bridge across Biloxi Bay.
The project consisted of the design and construction of a new high-rise six-lane bridge on a nearly parallel alignment with a bicycle/pedestrian shared-use path; new six-lane bridges over the CSX Transportation Railroad; associated roadway items; lighting; removal of portions of existing pavement; and removal of the existing bridges and debris.
This project was constructed within the existing right-of-way on land and on the existing alignment or within 150 feet south of the existing alignment in the bay. The new structures provide a 250-foot-wide navigation channel span with a vertical clearance of 95 feet. The approach spans to the navigation channel span were designed to clear an elevation of 28 feet. Removal and reconstruction of the US 90 bridges over the CSX Railroad was included in the project.
A shared-use path for bicyclists and pedestrians was provided along the south side of the roadway and bridge. Relocation of approximately 30 live oak trees located in Ocean Springs was required to meet the environmental commitments made by MDOT to the City of Ocean Springs.
The majority of the design was completed in just six months, which made it possible to open the roadway to one lane of traffic in each direction sixteen-and-a-half months after notice to proceed and two weeks ahead of schedule, and the entire project was completed in just 22 months. The bridges were designed and constructed to withstand a hurricane of the same strength as Katrina.