The “Walk for Christ” takes place on Caillavet Street on Saturday morning, and thanks to last-minute work from contractor Oscar Renda, walkers will be able to walk on Caillavet all the way from IP to MGM Park.
Since Monday, contractors have had a large trench at the intersection of Division and Caillavet, with the road closed to traffic while an 18-inch sewer line was being installed 20 feet below the ground. And after the sewer line is installed, an 8-inch water main will be put in place.
Police and walk organizers as late as this morning had feared the work would cause a detour off Caillavet for that section of the mile-long walk. However, detours for motorists will continue until later next week.
“We’re aware of the angst and inconvenience that this project has caused, not only in this instance, but in other areas of east Biloxi,†said Jennifer Matranga of Oscar Renda. “It is major work, the largest capital improvement contract this city has ever seen.
“But at the same time, we are a company that wants to work with the community and community events where possible. We’re going to make sure that we have a lane open for the ‘Walk for Christ’ come Saturday morning, and we’re going to continue to work to get Caillavet open to motorists as quickly and as safely as we can. The heavy weather we had earlier in the week and the deepness of the cut in the road makes this a dangerous section of work. We’re now looking at trying to get Caillavet open later in the week. We apologize for this inconvenience.â€
Caillavet Street motorists should continue to use Reynoir Street, a block to the east, as a detour route.
Added Matranga: “And we hope the walkers will pray for our continued progress, and pray for all the people in the east Biloxi construction zone.â€
The walk is the idea of Biloxian Becky Desporte, who wants residents to walk as a sign of unity. Walkers are being asked to wear white, gather near the north end of Caillavet Street (parking areas will be marked on the west side of the street), and to bring a canned food item for local food banks.
See the Walk for Christ flyer
City Desk: Hear about the walk
Elsewhere this weekend: Legendary parties
The Mississippi Bicentennial Celebration South, the first of three regional outdoor parties to celebrate Mississippi’s 200th year as a state, kicked off in Gulfport this morning and continues through Saturday evening.
You’ll find a host of booths representing All Things Mississippi, along with live entertainment, demonstrations and more. In the Cities and Counties areas of the expansive beachfront Centennial Park grounds, you’ll find a handful of booths representing the City of Biloxi, along with displays of military equipment and other attractions.
Meantime, the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic Champions Tour continues at Fallen Oak Golf Course, there’s Legends in Concert at the Beau Rivage, the Grass Roots at Hard Rock, and the Gulf Coast Big Rig Truck Show at the Coast Coliseum.
See the entire weekend lineup
News and notes
Fish fry photos: To see photos from the Law Enforcement Torch Run fish fry today, a Biloxi Police Department benefit for Special Olympics, click here.
Bicentennial photos: To see photos from today’s opening of the Mississippi Bicentennial Celebration South, click here.
Council agenda: To see the agenda and supporting documents for the City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday at 6 p.m., click here.
DRC agenda: Representatives of the engineering firm Machado Patano will be discussing plans for their downtown office before the Development Review Committee next week in the Community Development Department. To see the complete agenda, click here.
