How to handle traffic and trash Memorial Day weekend in Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi declared itself ready for visitors to return in mass to its bountiful and beautiful beaches for the long Memorial Day weekend, announcing traffic adjustments and requesting a little help with litter. About 40,000 drivers a day are expected to cross the John F. Kennedy Memorial Causeway that connects Corpus Christi to North Padre Island over the three-day holiday weekend.
“Leave it better than you found it,” requested Corpus Christi officials, who have made free litter bags available at several beach entry points.
Visitors can grab yellow mesh bags from bright blue boxes posted at the entrances to North and McGee beaches on the bay and at the access roads to all North Padre Island beaches.
A traffic management plan was developed to monitor the flow of vehicles on local roads and beach access points. Motorists should expect delays, officials said.
Law enforcement presence will double on the beaches and access roads throughout the weekend, announced the Corpus Christi Police Department, which is setting up a mobile command unit at the corner of Texas 361 and Park Road 22.
New traffic operations at the intersection of Aquarius Street and Park Road 22 begin Thursday afternoon, May 27, and will continue until 8 a.m. Tuesday, June 1. Left-turn lanes at the intersection will be closed to traffic during that time. Motorists are advised to follow detour routes posted at the intersection.
Motorists on the beach are reminded they are on a public road. All drivers must have a valid driver's license and follow state driving laws. The speed limit is 15 mph.
Beach permits costing $12 each are required for parking on the beach. Permits are valid until Jan. 1, 2022. Permits are available at all H-E-B stores and all Stripes convenience stores. Fines for not having a parking permit can run up to $157.
Other beach rules include:
- no glass containers
- dogs must be leashed
- no canopies left overnight
- campfires can be no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet and must be fully extinguished and the holes covered when done
- no burning of pallets or building materials (wood is available for sale at local convenience stores)
- no camping in front of condos or hotels
For more information on the different beaches on North Padre Island, Mustang Island, and in the city, visit 101CorpusChristi.com/beach.