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Artemis II: What to know before you go
Residents of the Space Coast are bracing for a massive influx of visitors ahead of the Artemis II launch. Local authorities are warning those living in Brevard County about the crowds and potential traffic jams.
TITUSVILLE, Fla. - Residents of the Space Coast are bracing for a massive influx of visitors ahead of the Artemis II launch. Local authorities are warning those living in Brevard County about the crowds and potential traffic jams.
Brevard County Emergency Management Agency communications director Don Walker indicated that the volume of people heading to the coast could result in significant delays. He recommended that anyone needing essentials should hit the stores early in the day to ensure they are off the roads before the peak congestion begins.
Local perspective:
The City of Titusville has released updated traffic flow plans to manage the exodus following the rocket's launch.
According to the new maps, Harrison Street will serve as a primary separator for traffic, funneling vehicles on Washington Way into specific directions. Additionally, the A. Max Brewer Bridge — a popular viewing spot — will close for at least an hour immediately following the launch to allow the massive crowds of people to cross safely.
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Travelers from out of state are already claiming spots, with some arriving days in advance. Many visitors have reported finding parking and viewing locations nearly impossible to secure, leading some to consider sleeping in their cars to maintain their positions.
Experts suggest that anyone navigating the Space Coast on launch day should utilize traffic apps and ensure their mobile devices are synced to their vehicles for real-time updates on road closures and delays.
What they're saying:
Titusville resident Kathy Burgos explained how locals are adapting to the influx of visitors.
"I think everybody in town prepares themselves for it. Like going to the grocery store early, getting things that you need so you don’t have to go out and drive," said Burgos. "Getting your kids ready for school, going maybe a little early to drop them off."
Brevard County EMA Communications Director Don Walker offered advice on how to avoid the worst of the gridlock if you need to do any shopping on launch day.
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"Run them early in the day tomorrow before noon that way, you’re off the road," said Walker. "We’ll do everything we can, as best we can, to keep people moving around and get them in and out."
Neeti Kumthekar, who traveled from New Jersey with her husband to witness the launch, described the difficulty of finding a viewing location.
"You’re not going to find a spot at three o’clock in the morning because you know they’re all going to be taken," said Kumthekar. "I’m still trying to convince him [my husband] to sleep in the car. We’ll see how it goes!"
The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Brevard County Emergency Management Agency, the City of Titusville.