In 1998, when the Bridge Commission closed the span, the quick trip for residents to Vicksburg added another 12 miles. Worse still is that when trains block the crossings they are forced to drive even further. Delta residents that work in Vicksburg or Mississippi are impacted the most. If this keeps up I am going to have to move to Mississippi . For the few businesses in Delta, the loss of the bridge puts them at a competitive disadvantage.
Signage does little to encourage travelers to detour to Delta.
Even if the vote were to okay reopening of the bridge there are many problems. One of the chief problems with reopening the bridge is its narrow width. Like many bridges built in the 1920's, the roadbed is a mere 18' wide. So narrow, in fact, that side swipes and clipping mirrors are a common fear among motorists. This argument does not intimidate Delta resident Ms. Mary Kavanaugh and her group True Friends of the Bridge .