The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) has issued a warning for major traffic delays along Highway 90 in Biloxi due to the annual Cruisin' The Coast event. On Thursday, October 9, 2025, significant congestion was reported, particularly affecting westbound and eastbound lanes as thousands of classic car enthusiasts gather for the week-long celebration.
The traffic issues follow a large turnout for the Biloxi Block Party on Wednesday, which featured hundreds of vintage cars and live entertainment. Officials are advising both residents and visitors to plan for extended travel times and consider alternative routes throughout the remainder of the event.
Key Takeaways
- The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) confirmed "major delays" on Highway 90 in Biloxi.
- Peak congestion was observed around 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025.
- The heaviest traffic occurred in westbound lanes from Beauvoir Road to Rodenberg Avenue and eastbound lanes between Eisenhower Drive and Beauvoir Road.
- The delays are a direct result of the high volume of participants and spectators for the Cruisin' The Coast car show.
- Officials recommend checking real-time traffic maps and allowing extra time for travel along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
MDOT Confirms Significant Congestion on Highway 90
State transportation officials confirmed the traffic situation on Thursday morning. According to a public alert, drivers on Highway 90 should anticipate significant slowdowns. The warning was substantiated by MDOT's own real-time traffic monitoring systems.
An official MDOT traffic map, updated at approximately 11:45 a.m., visually confirmed the extent of the delays. The map indicated severe congestion, particularly for vehicles traveling westbound. This stretch of heavy traffic started near Beauvoir Road and extended past Rodenberg Avenue, a key corridor through Biloxi.
Eastbound traffic was also heavily impacted. The same map showed considerable delays for drivers traveling east, primarily concentrated in the area between Eisenhower Drive and Beauvoir Road. These locations are central to many of the event's venues and cruise routes, funneling a large volume of vehicles into a concentrated area.
Understanding Cruisin' The Coast
Cruisin' The Coast is an annual, week-long event held on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Established in 1996, it has grown into one of the largest classic car shows in the United States. The event celebrates antique, classic, and hot rod vehicles, drawing participants from across the country and internationally. It features car shows, parades, swap meets, and live music at various venues across coastal cities like Biloxi, Gulfport, and Ocean Springs.
The Impact of a Premier Automotive Event
The traffic delays are a direct consequence of the event's immense popularity. Cruisin' The Coast regularly attracts over 8,000 registered classic cars and tens of thousands of spectators. This massive influx of people and vehicles places a significant strain on the region's primary coastal artery, Highway 90.
The event kicked off with strong attendance, exemplified by the Biloxi Block Party on Wednesday, October 8. The downtown area was filled with hundreds of unique vintage cars, while attendees enjoyed live music and food vendors. This initial gathering set the stage for the heavy traffic seen the following day as official cruising and events began in earnest.
Cruisin' The Coast by the Numbers
While official numbers for 2025 are still being compiled, past events provide context for its scale. In previous years, the event has generated an estimated economic impact of over $30 million for the Mississippi Gulf Coast region. This includes revenue from hotels, restaurants, retail, and other local businesses that cater to the thousands of visitors.
How The Event Affects Local Travel
The structure of Cruisin' The Coast encourages participants to drive their classic cars between designated venues spread across multiple coastal cities. This constant movement of thousands of vehicles, combined with regular local traffic, creates unique logistical challenges.
Highway 90 serves as the main connector for these venues, making it the epicenter of the congestion. Unlike a stationary event in a stadium or convention center, the entire coastal highway effectively becomes part of the event space. This dynamic nature means traffic patterns can shift, but heavy volume is a consistent factor throughout the week.
Navigating the Mississippi Gulf Coast During the Event
With several days of festivities remaining, MDOT and local authorities are urging the public to exercise caution and plan ahead. For residents not participating in the event, avoiding Highway 90 during peak hours is the primary recommendation.
Practical Tips for Drivers
To help manage the traffic, experts suggest several strategies for both participants and local commuters:
- Use Alternate Routes: Whenever possible, use east-west routes north of the beach, such as Interstate 10 or Pass Road, to bypass the heaviest congestion on Highway 90.
- Check Live Traffic Maps: Before traveling, consult real-time traffic applications like the MDOT Traffic website or other navigation apps for the latest updates on road conditions.
- Travel During Off-Peak Hours: The heaviest traffic typically occurs from mid-morning to late afternoon. Traveling early in the morning or later in the evening may result in fewer delays.
- Stay Patient: With thousands of slow-moving classic cars, patience is essential. Expect sudden stops and be aware of pedestrians who are often crossing the highway to view the vehicles.
- Allow Extra Time: Regardless of your destination, build significant extra time into your travel schedule. A trip that normally takes 15 minutes could easily take an hour or more.
Local law enforcement agencies typically increase their presence along the cruise route to manage traffic flow and ensure safety. Drivers are reminded to follow all traffic laws and be mindful of directions from officers on duty.
A Balancing Act for the Community
While the traffic congestion presents a temporary inconvenience, Cruisin' The Coast is a vital economic driver for the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The event provides a significant boost to the local tourism and hospitality industries during the fall shoulder season.
City officials and event organizers work year-round to plan for the logistical challenges. This includes coordinating with law enforcement, transportation departments, and local businesses to mitigate the impact on residents while providing a positive experience for visitors.
The annual event has become a cultural staple for the region, celebrating automotive history and bringing together a passionate community. For many, the sight of thousands of classic cars lining the beachfront highway is a welcome sign of a successful and vibrant local tradition, even if it comes with the price of slower travel for a week.
