Galveston Studies Fifth Cruise Terminal's Traffic Impact

Galveston Wharves Port Director and CEO Rodger Rees has announced that the port is evaluating the transportation and economic effects of a proposed fifth cruise terminal at Pier 14 as part of its updated 20-Year Strategic Master Plan.

According to Rees, a recently completed traffic assessment found that the new terminal would have only a minimal impact on Harborside Drive and other roads serving the port’s eastern cruise terminal area. The planned facility will be built between Cruise Terminals 10 and 16, the latter having opened last year.

We’re also preparing to hire a consultant to complete the first phase of a broader mobility study for an area bound by Galveston Harbor and 14th, 33rd and Church Streets, which encompasses portions of port property, adjacent neighborhoods and downtown Galveston,” said Rees.

“The consultant will analyze existing conditions, evaluate increased demand from future port growth and present mitigation solutions for increased traffic.”

As part of its long-term master plan, Galveston Wharves has already incorporated transportation improvements into its expansion strategy. These include the construction of a two-mile internal roadway, additional onsite parking, and new roads designed to improve traffic flow throughout the port.

Rees said the design of the fifth cruise terminal will also benefit from recommendations made in the latest traffic study, as well as operational experience gained from the port’s first four cruise terminals.

The study concluded that traffic during peak cruise operations would cause only limited delays at the intersection of 14th Street and Harborside Drive. It also suggested that these delays could be further reduced by extending the eastbound left-turn lane and installing flashing yellow arrow signals for eastbound and westbound turning traffic.

As you can see, we’ll begin Phase 1 of this new mobility study on a strong foundation of research from this traffic study and our master plan, as well as city and port Comprehensive Safety Action Plans,” added Rees.

“Mobility plans look beyond traffic flow to understand and improve upon how vehicles and pedestrians move. As Galveston’s popularity grows as a cruise and tourism destination, managing pedestrian and vehicular traffic will be key to sustainable economic growth.”

Rees also highlighted the project’s expected economic benefits. A recent study estimates that a fifth cruise terminal would generate approximately 1,500 new jobs, $278 million in direct business revenue, and $7.9 million in state and local tax revenue for the region.

In addition, the City of Galveston and local taxpayers are expected to benefit through agreements covering cruise passenger fees and parking revenue.

The long-term master plan also includes the development of a new commercial district featuring the Battleship Texas at Pier 15, along with hotels, restaurants, retail outlets, green spaces, and multifamily housing.