Gulf Islands National Seashore, in partnership with the Federal Highways Administration, completed phase 1 of construction of the Davis Bayou Bicycle and Pedestrian Path project on Sept. 30, 2022.
The northern section of Park Road between Highway 90 and Robert McGhee Road is now open for use. Visitors can expect 25 miles per hour (mph) speed limit until the new 35-mph signposts are cured and painted.
Phase I, which began in January, included improvements to retaining walls and erosion control, new bike paths, guardrails, and fencing on both sides of the road. Phase II is anticipated to begin in 2024 and will include repairs to Park Road and the construction of five-foot bike lanes on both sides of the roadway from Robert McGhee Road to the park visitor center.
Phase 3 will include the road repairs from the entrance of Robert McGhee Road to the Davis Bayou Campground and will be completed in the future. All three phases will construct 5-foot pathways along both sides of park roadways allowing for walking and biking to occur outside of the vehicle traffic lanes.
Over the past 20 years, about 10,000 additional residents have moved into Ocean Springs, mostly in areas east of the park and accessible from Park Road. Neighboring residents have increasingly used the park for recreational use and to enjoy the natural setting of the park.
The roads and campsite pads within Davis Bayou campground have been re-surfaced and repaired. The campground is scheduled to re-open tomorrow, Saturday, October 1. Other projects to improve the visitor experience within the campground will continue over the next few weeks.
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