Jackson County is moving forward with a new project designed to improve public boating access to the Mississippi Sound. A new boat launch facility will be constructed on Race Track Road in St. Martin, addressing longstanding access and congestion issues experienced by boaters during peak seasons.

The project will consist of three major components:

• Boat launch and finger pier.
• Road realignment: Adjustments to Race Track Road will provide dedicated space for trucks and boat trailers to maneuver and launch while staying out of through traffic, mitigating potential traffic flow issues.  Also, new stop signs will be erected at the realigned intersection of Race Track Road and Beach Bayou Avenue, creating a new 3-way stop intersection that will further improve traffic safety.
• Improved parking lot.

The first phase of construction will focus on the road realignment. During this work, a portion of Race Track Road and Beach Bayou Avenue will be closed beginning Monday, October 6, 2025 for approximately 6 weeks. A detour route will be established for the duration of the closure, and a map showing the detour route will accompany this notice and be available on the Jackson County website (https://www.co.jackson.ms.us/).  After the road realignment phase is completed, construction of the parking lot and boat launch will begin and the entire project is expected to be fully complete before Summer 2026.

Once completed, the new facility will provide greater access to the Mississippi Sound and will help relieve the strain on other boat launches in Jackson County during the summer season and other high-use periods.

This project is made possible through Mississippi State Tideland funds, which are dedicated to enhancing public access and conservation along Mississippi’s coast.

Jackson County thanks the public for its patience and cooperation during construction and looks forward to the benefits this project will bring to residents and visitors alike.