Port Canaveral Releases Parking Plan for April 22 Manned SpaceX Launch Viewing

By  //  April 19, 2021

launch set for Thursday, April 22 at 6:11 a.m.

Port Canaveral today released its plan for public access to the Port for viewing the scheduled April 22 liftoff of SpaceX’s Crew-2, the second operational crewed mission to the International Space Station.

BREVARD COUNTY • PORT CANAVERAL, FLORIDA – Port Canaveral today released its plan for public access to the Port for viewing the scheduled April 22 liftoff of SpaceX’s Crew-2, the second operational crewed mission to the International Space Station.

The launch is currently scheduled for Thursday, April 22 at 6:11 a.m. from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center north of the Port.

Access to popular launch viewing points at Port Canaveral will be limited, and traffic in and around the Port will be controlled.

“Human spaceflight has historically generated tremendous public interest here on the Space Coast, and we know that our Port is a ‘front seat’ to that experience,” said Port CEO Capt. John Murray. “We continue to work with state and local agencies to address some of the public’s demand while maintaining our continued focus on public health and safety.”

The Port’s plan was jointly developed by Brevard County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), Canaveral Fire Rescue and Canaveral Port Authority Public Safety in collaboration with the Brevard County Emergency Operations Center and Florida Department of Transportation to minimize traffic congestion, ensure public safety, and promote a safe environment for Port employees, contractors, tenants and the community.

Port Canaveral highly recommends potential launch watchers consider the limitations for public parking at Port Canaveral on launch day and to plan accordingly.

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. 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.

FDOT will be updating traffic and parking conditions in and around Port Canaveral using the Waze app, which can be accessed from any smartphone. Please use Waze to remain update on changing conditions.

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Electronic signs on the state’s highways and on Port Canaveral roadways and intersections will advise motorists of road restrictions, as well as when parking capacity has been reached at designated parking areas. Brevard County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) deputies will monitor traffic, control key traffic intersections, and enforce parking on and around the Port.

Motorists should enter the Port at George King Boulevard from State Roads A1A or 528. After liftoff, there will be no entrance to the Port and motorists should exit on George King Boulevard for SR A1A or SR 528.

Vehicles heading to Jetty Park should enter the Port via George King Boulevard, then depart after launch via North Atlantic Avenue or George King Boulevard Guests are reminded parking passes must be purchased online prior to arriving at the park. No cash or credit card transactions are allowed at the entrance booth.

Brevard County Sheriff’s office deputies will be in place to assist drivers and patrolling the Port to enforce parking. Visitors to Jetty Park are reminded to practice social distancing and wear a mask.

JETTY PARK
Lot will close when 100% vehicle capacity is reached.
Vehicles departing Jetty Park will be directed onto N. Atlantic Blvd Southbound (or George King Blvd depending on traffic conditions).

BOAT RAMPS PARKING
Freddie Patrick Boat Ramps and Rodney S. Ketcham Park Boat Ramps vehicle and trailer parking will be open and available to boaters on a first-come, first-serve basis until capacity is reached. Boat Ramps parking lots are exclusively for boater vehicles and trailers using boat ramps. Boaters at all times — whether parking at ramp lots or not — may access the ramps to drop their boat and tackle and seek parking elsewhere.

COVE PARKING FOR RESTAURANTS
Paved parking lot south of the Cove dining district will be open exclusively for Cove merchant patrons. Lot will close when maximum vehicle capacity is reached.

ACCESSIBLE PARKING
Paved parking spaces on Mullet Drive to the north of the Exploration Tower and adjacent to Cove dining district will be open. No shoulder parking will be allowed.

NO PARKING AREAS
Exploration Tower and parking lot closed.
All cruise terminal parking garages are closed.
No parking on George King Boulevard or any Port roadways.
No parking on unpaved lots or grassy surface areas.
NO parking allowed on State Road 401 – Will be strictly enforced
NO parking allowed on State Road 528 median – entire length – Will be strictly enforced

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