In a Roundabout Way - Exit 16 Update

Aloha Diamondhead, May 2024

The growth of Diamondhead is a good thing – but it does bring with it additional traffic concerns. Now, a highway improvement project is underway to ease congestion on Gex Drive.

- by Anne Pitre

Those who travel in and out of Diamondhead have undoubtedly seen the “cone zone” at the I-10 interchange. This is the beginning of the Exit 16 Improvement Project, a $17 million undertaking which will improve traffic flow and calm traffic on Gex Drive. This project is funded by Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT).

The construction was awarded to T.L. Wallace Construction, Inc. in February, and the notice to proceed was issued on April 16. A timeframe for completion has not been issued.

The need for this project was identified around ten years ago. Traffic at Exit 16 at peak hours , 3-6 p.m. on weekdays, often backed up to the Jordan River bridge due to left-turning drivers. It didn’t take long for civic and school district leaders to realize that this situation was exceptionally dangerous for school buses, so the Diamondhead Police Department installed a gate to divert traffic to the roundabout on the south side during peak hours.

The project includes construction of roundabouts on both of the ramps at Exit 16 and one at the intersection of Gex and Aloha Drives. It will also add a multimodal lane on the east side of the road for golf carts, which means that residents will finally be able to take their carts to the south side for festivals and events held at the marina and on the green space on Airport Drive.

The multimodal path will be built on the east side of Gex. It will begin near the Waffle House and Circle K and will extend down Yacht Club Drive, crossing the I-10 on/off ramps a bit further east than the actual roundabouts. Traffic will have already slowed in preparation to enter the roundabouts, and there will be striping and signage at the crosswalks to ensure safety.

Diamondhead Mayor Nancy Depreo will be hosting a town hall meeting on Saturday, May 4 at 9 a.m. with MDOT District 6 engineer Billy Owen at the city hall activity room. The online question submission form will be closed at the time of press. However, Billy and Mayor Depreo will be available to speak to individuals whose questions were not answered during the meeting and for further clarification of any topics covered.

Why Roundabouts?

Roundabouts can be confusing at first, but they are both simpler and safer. There is less confusion about which driver has the right of way; cars outside the circle yield to vehicles inside the circle, and everyone is moving in the same direction. There is also less directional confusion, as drivers can simply drive around the circle again if they’re unsure of where to exit. They calm traffic while keeping the road clear of bottlenecks since no one will be making left turns. While accidents do occur in roundabouts, you are much more likely to get sideswiped or clipped at a low speed vs. getting t-boned or hit head-on.

The Exit 16 Improvement Project signifies a crucial step towards safer and smoother traffic in Diamondhead. In embracing roundabouts, Diamondhead prioritizes simplicity, safety, and sustainability. Additionally, the inclusion of a multimodal lane emphasizes the community's commitment to alternative transportation and connectivity. Despite initial challenges, the long-term benefits of improved traffic flow and reduced congestion are significant. As Diamondhead moves forward, it sets a precedent for a more resilient and interconnected community.

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