What to know about road closures, parking and traffic ahead of Galveston's Lone Star Rally

GALVESTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Lone Star Rally will return to Galveston from Nov. 5 to Nov. 8, bringing four days of motorcycles, live entertainment, vendors, and exhibits to the island.

The annual event, centered in Galveston's historic downtown district and along Seawall Boulevard, regularly draws hundreds of thousands of visitors and generates significant economic activity for the city.

With large crowds and heavy traffic expected throughout the weekend, city officials are urging residents and visitors to plan ahead for road closures and traffic detours.

Several streets will close before and during the rally to accommodate event setup and activities.

On Seawall Boulevard, the westbound lanes between 19th and 25th Streets will close beginning on Nov. 4, while eastbound traffic will remain open to vehicles and motorcycles.

Westbound traffic will be detoured north on 19th Street, west along Avenue O and south on 25th Street back to the Seawall.

In downtown Galveston, portions of 20th through 24th Streets between Mechanic Street and Harborside Drive will close starting on Nov. 3 for vendor setup.

The Strand between 18th and 25th Streets will be restricted to motorcycle traffic during the event.

The city's rubber-wheel trolleys will continue operating between downtown and Seawall Boulevard throughout the rally, though riders should expect delays because of increased traffic. Service schedules will vary by day, and officials said service could be temporarily suspended if congestion becomes severe.

Public safety agencies, including the Galveston Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety, will increase their presence throughout the event. Organizers expect more than 250,000 motorcycles to arrive on the island.

Authorities are reminding drivers and riders to remain alert, check blind spots, allow extra following distance, and avoid distracted or impaired driving.

Officials also reminded visitors that overnight camping is prohibited on public beaches outside of Galveston Island State Park.

Parking along Seawall Boulevard is prohibited from 3 a.m. to 5 a.m., and paid parking remains in effect in designated areas along the Seawall at a rate of $2 per hour or $16 per day.