Diamondhead’s Detours: Navigating to a Smoother Future

Aloha Diamondhead - November 2024

Detours, detours everywhere, will they ever end? We’ll look at the current status of the improvement projects underway in and around Diamondhead. And yes, there is an end in sight.
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- By Anne Pitre

Diamondhead motorists have been navigating a maze of detours since the summer, and the construction projects reshaping the area are set to continue for the foreseeable future. From the widening of I-10 to the transformative Exit 16 Improvements project, the town has become a "cone zone” as residents look for ways to adapt and stay informed. Here’s a breakdown of the key ongoing projects affecting local roads.

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Exit 16 Improvements Project
Gex Drive, a central artery in Diamondhead, is currently closed from West Aloha Drive to Diamondhead Circle as MDOT works to convert the existing four-way stop into a traffic-friendly roundabout. Once completed, the flow of traffic will be much smoother, as left turns and U-turns will be a thing of the past. The new design will allow for safer, right-turn-only movements, directing vehicles seamlessly around the circle. Woodland Village and Universal Storage remain accessible from the northern side of Gex Drive, so businesses are still reachable despite the detours.
Additionally, Gex Road is undergoing construction to accommodate the roundabout. Drivers are advised to use Live Oak Drive and the connector road near local businesses to access Park Ten. The roundabout is expected to be finished by November 11.
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​Exit Ramp Closure
The westbound I-10 on-ramp toward Bay St. Louis and Slidell has also closed temporarily to allow the addition of a second lane. The closure is causing some delays, but once completed, it will significantly improve traffic flow. The ramp is slated to reopen on November 18, offering much-needed relief to drivers heading west.

Park Ten Drive Construction
Ongoing work on Park Ten Drive is also part of the city’s broader improvement plan. While the road remains passable, crews are installing new curbing, sidewalks, and irrigation. Drivers should continue exercising caution in the area. The project timeline has been extended, with a new completion date of December 31.

Alternate Routes
With Exit 16 westbound traffic heavily impacted, many commuters have found alternate routes, using Kapalama Drive to connect to Kiln-DeLisle Road and access Exit 20 in Pass Christian. Good news is on the horizon for those using this route—temporary traffic lights will soon be installed at Exit 20, addressing safety concerns, especially with shorter daylight hours approaching. The lights are expected to make the interchange safer and smoother, with installation planned once the signals arrive.

A Bright Future Beyond the Construction
Though these ongoing construction projects may be a temporary inconvenience, they’re laying the foundation for a more efficient and safer driving experience in Diamondhead. Once the road work is completed, motorists can look forward to smoother traffic flows, improved safety, and modernized infrastructure that will enhance daily commutes and support future growth. Diamondhead's streets may be filled with cones now, but the improvements will pave the way for a brighter, more connected future for the community.
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