Galveston Wharves Port Director and CEO Rodger Rees has shared traffic management plans for the upcoming fourth cruise terminal, set to open in 2025.

“Before building CT 10, we commissioned a traffic study to assess current and future traffic conditions and recommend improvements,” said Rees. “Completed in 2020, the study recommended onsite parking, personnel to manage curbside traffic and separate curbside areas for embarkation and debarkation.”

According to a recently completed traffic analysis for Cruise Terminal 16, engineers found that current traffic flows would be maintained at similar levels after the terminal opens. Engineers recommended installing a traffic signal at 16th Street to minimize potential delays during peak periods.

Rees also highlighted the benefits of onsite cruise parking in reducing the amount of cruise-related traffic on Harborside Drive. 

“Galvestonians who expected backed-up traffic on Harborside when CT 10 opened tell me that they are pleasantly surprised by how efficiently traffic moves on cruise days,” he added.

“Beyond efficient traffic flow, we want to keep pedestrians safe in and around our cruise terminals. With almost 3 million passenger movements in 2023, this can be a challenge. Designated pedestrian crosswalks, sidewalks, more signage, and reopening the skywalk over Harborside Drive at 25th Street are just some of the ways we can do that,” concluded Rees.