Temporary closures of State Highway 4, Boca Chica Beach announced ahead of SpaceX launch
Boca Chica Beach and State Highway 4 will be temporarily closed Sunday due to “anticipated testing activities for SpaceX,” according to an order from Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr.
Last week, SpaceX announced plans to launch their Starship vehicle on Monday, Nov. 18 from their Boca Chica facility.
According to Thursday’s order, access to Boca Chica Beach — State Highway 4 from FM 1419 (Oklahoma Ave.) to the entrance of Boca Chica Beach will close on Sunday, Nov. 17 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for “SpaceX non-flight testing activities.”
The order states that SpaceX and law enforcement authorities will coordinate to ensure no one enters the area during the closure. Two temporary checkpoints will be set up along State Highway 4, and those with proof of residence will be allowed in the area.
The Federal Aviation Administration approved the sixth launch last month.
Treviño’s order said that the following beaches will be open during Sunday’s closure:
- Cameron County Beach Access No. 3
- Cameron County Beach Access No. 4
- Cameron County Beach Access No. 4 (West)
- Cameron County Beach Access No. 5 (West)
On their website, SpaceX warned that Monday’s launch would have another sonic boom in the area as Starship’s super Heavy booster returns to the launch site.