Crossing the Mississippi

[Scott8147]

I am traveling east to west and trying to figure out where to cross the Mississippi.  As best I can tell from Google, my best crossing options are at Vicksburg (which is I-20 and thus not an option) or Greenville (Route 278).  I can find no other options at all between those two cities.  Can I ride my bike across the 278 bridge?   Can anyone suggest other options?

[CMajernik]

You can call the MS bike/ped coordinator (though it is Xmas eve)...
Lindsey Netherland
Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator
ph: 601-359-7685

or check this website to see if it has any information on the 278 bridge:
http://mdot.ms.gov/portal/bike_ped.aspx

[John Nettles]

You do not indicate where you are.  The Greenville bridge is new with wide shoulders.  As of a couple of years ago, you could NOT legally cross in Vicksburg according to the Vicksburg Bridge Commission whom I asked. However, since then I have "heard" third hand you could cross on the old Bridge (just north of the interstate).  If you try crossing the Vicksburg Bridge, please post the outcome. 

[Scott8147]

I'm sorry if it appeared that I was on the road at this moment.  Actually I'm planning this approach and trying to decide whether to track more north or south depending on where I can cross.  It's sounding like the Greenville bridge may be the safest option.

[John Nettles]

Ahh.  Then since there are no other bridges between those in your OP, I would still call the Vicksburg Bridge Commission @ 601/636-0881 and see what they say.  Who knows, they might have converted the old bridge into a "rail trail". Again, post the response.

Also, depending on your trip's route, you can also head south to Natchez and cross on US-61.  Not overly enjoyable with 23k cars per day and no shoulder but it is doable with its 4 lanes.  Or you can head further north to Helena and cross  US49 with its 4K cars but only 2 lanes.  Of course you can cross using the ST route near New Roads, LA on the new bridge (nice) or cross at Memphis on the south-side sidewalk of US-55.  A little tricky to get to but fine.  If you go through Memphis, contact me for directions.  Of all these, I prefer Greenville, New Roads, and Memphis assuming Vicksburg is not a rail trail.

[Scott8147]

Thanks John.     That's really helpful.    I'll post on whichever I end up taking.

[Westinghouse]

If you cross near Saint Francesville, there is a bridge. If you cross on 190 there is a bridge with narrow lanes and wide traffic moving at break-neck speeds at all hours. If you go through the Big Sleazy you can follow the elevated path on the dike to where you can get the Plaquemine ferry.  Check that spelling.

[pmac]

Where is your ultimate destination?  The Highway 80 bridge at Vicksburg is occasionally opened for cyclists, but not always.  You might be able to get on it even if it not officially opened.  Vicksburg has the National Military Park which is a great place to see by bike.  Vicksburg is not to far from the Natchez Trace if that is part of your route.  Natchez is also a nice place to spend a day if you like antebellum architecture.  Crossing at Natchez also gives you access to the Trace.  Not much to see except miles and miles of flat cotton fields if you cross at Greenville. My guess is that by the time you get to the river you will have seen all the cotton fields you want in Louisiana. 

[Scott8147]

pmac........actually I am starting in NC and my destination is San Diego.   I'm trying to determine whether to stay on a more northern route across Mississippi, southern Arkansas and through Texas and then swing south or to start south earlier and thus have to cross the Mississippi farther south.

[DanE]

Here is a link to a web site that documents all structures that cross the Mississippi river. This is not a bicycle specific site but appears to be one guys hobby.

http://www.johnweeks.com/river_mississippi/index.html

[Scott8147]

I contacted the Mississippi bike/ped coordinator about crossing the new Vicksburg bridge and was told I could cycle across the bridge although I could not ride on I-20 to access it.   So I'm not sure how that would work.  Has anyone biked across the new Vicksburg bridge ?