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Last Updated 8/18/08
The news you need to navigate during road construction projects to improve traffic flow in and out of Sea-Tac Airport and to make the revisions needed to bring Link light rail to the Airport.
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Please drive carefully and pay special attention to lane changes, detours and signage.
The exit ramp to Air Cargo Road on the southbound approach to the Airport terminal has closed. A new exit ramp is open on the opposite side (on the left) of the expressway, giving travelers access to the Cell Phone Waiting Lot, Overheight Parking, South 170th Street and Air Cargo Road . Drivers should pay particular attention to signage directing them to the new exit only lane on the left.
The new northbound Airport Expressway and Return-to-Terminal Loop roadway are opened, greatly easing congestion for traffic leaving the airport.
This is a major step in the expressway relocation to accommodate more than a mile of light rail guideway between the northbound and southbound lanes. This construction replaces the old road system which was inadequate for current traffic levels and contributed to long vehicle queues during peak periods. Southbound lanes were rebuilt and relocated previously.
The new loop ramp reduces traffic congestion on the airport roads, particularly on the drop-off and pick-up curbs in front of the terminal. The new loop makes the return route simpler and faster, as traffic currently has been forced to exit off S. 170th St. to re-enter the expressway to the west. A new relocated exit for S. 170th St. moves to the east for easy access to International Boulevard.
Construction is still underway on sections of the airport roadway, so please use caution when driving.
There is a new exit from the Parking Garage toll plaza. Drivers now have to make a sharp right turn after they exit the toll plaza and then “S” around to merge onto the northbound Airport Expressway. In order to accommodate all the types and sizes of vehicles that need to make the turn, the far right lanes at the toll plaza are closed. There is plenty of signage marking the detour. Please drive slowly and pay close attention to directional signs. This detour will be in effect through 2009.
Due to construction projects, parking in the Airport's over-height parking area (for vehicles 7' and higher) will be very limited through 2009. However, vehicles up to seven-feet high are once again allowed in the Airport Garage.
Spaces for over-height handicapped-permitted vehicles will be maintained. All other parkers (those without handicapped-permitted vehicles and those with vehicles higher than 7') should use one of the off-airport parking lots during this time.
