Brevard County Issues Safety Alert, Traffic Advisory for SpaceX Crewed Launch Visitors and Residents

By Space Coast Daily // May 27, 2020

Launch is targeted for 4:33 p.m. ET

Launch traffic plan in Brevard County. (Click Image to Enlarge)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Brevard County Emergency Management wants to remind residents and visitors to think safety first and foremost as you make plans for watching the return to human spaceflight with Wednesday’s historic SpaceX Crew Dragon rocket launch from Kennedy Space Center.

The launch is scheduled for Wednesday at 4:33 p.m.,

Brevard County officials caution motorists that traffic will generate a variety of potential safety obstacles for those who want to venture out for the launch.

First, there’s the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

For the safety of the community, the Centers for Disease Control has issued social distancing guidelines to keep 6-feet between yourself and others, while also avoiding groups of 10 or more people and to avoid mass gatherings.

The launch is scheduled for Wednesday at 4:33 p.m.,

As with the Space Shuttle program, Brevard County beaches and parks are prime viewing areas. Officials are asking people protect themselves and others by following the CDC social distancing guidelines.

Traffic is also a concern among officials because there is a limited amount of north/south and east/west roadways that lead to prime viewing locations.

When gridlock occurs, that’s not only frustrating for motorists, but it also poses major safety issues for law enforcement, fire and ambulance units that might need to respond to an emergency.

As a safety precaution, officials strongly ask motorists to obey traffic laws and don’t park on the side of roadways. Also, staying alert and watching for pedestrians is vital. Be prepared for significant traffic delays before and after the launch.

Officials say there will be an increased law enforcement presence.

Multiple agencies have worked together to develop a traffic plan to help motorists get to and from the launch, including some changes to traffic patterns.

County officials ask people to take heed and be aware that a left or right turn onto a roadway you might normally take may not be available on launch day in an effort to keep traffic delays to a minimum.

The launch plan is viewable by CLICKING HERE

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is planning to control traffic flow on SR 528 and SR A1A, particularly at exits for George King Boulevard on Port Canaveral.

Post launch, all eastbound 528 traffic will be directed south on SR A1A to 520 westbound. Traffic lights on SR A1A will be modified to expedite traffic flow.

SR 401 will be open but limited to commercial and official traffic heading to the Port’s northside operations and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

Visitors may use the Waze smartphone app to monitor traffic and be alerted of parking availability.

Waze will be continuously updated with countywide parking availability. Public parking will be limited in some areas, including access to popular launch viewing points at Port Canaveral. Traffic in and around the port will be controlled.

CLICK HERE FOR BREVARD COUNTY NEWS