Whew! New bridge rejoins Biloxi, Ocean Springs Published Oct. 30, 2007 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Many Keesler employees who live in Ocean Springs are breathing a collective sigh of relief as two lanes of the new Biloxi Bay Bridge open Nov. 1. The major connector on U.S. Highway 90 between Biloxi and Ocean Springs was knocked out by Hurricane Katrina more than two years ago. Since then, commuters have had to take a longer northerly route through D'Iberville and St. Martin to get back and forth. Celebrations take place at the foot of the bridge in each city during much of the day. The Mississippi Department of Transportation's official ceremony takes place at 2 p.m. at the Biloxi end of the bridge with speeches and musical performances. At 3:30, the Biloxi and Ocean Springs high school bands march to the center of the bridge, where a ribbon-tying signifying the reconnection of the two communities takes place. A flyover by the 403rd Wing's Hurricane Hunters is also planned. At 4:30, first responders lead a parade of motorcyclists, the NASCAR Talladega pace car and antique cars from Ocean Springs to Biloxi. Then, the bridge opens to regular traffic. The day's festivities end with fireworks on the south side of the bridge, sponsored by the city of Biloxi and five casinos. Work on the $338 million project began in June 2006 and should be completed April 16. The bridge is 1.6 miles long, 120 feet wide and 85 feet above Biloxi Bay at its highest point. The finished structure will have six traffic lanes, four breakdown and emergency lanes and a bike path/walkway.