Airport "Return to Terminal" Ramps Close on Monday

- Picking up someone? Use the airport garage for easy access to passengers -

The Port of Seattle announced today that the two "return-to-terminal" ramps at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will be permanently closed on Monday and will be demolished in the next several weeks. These ramps will be removed as part of extending light rail to the airport and building major airport roadway improvements, including a return-to-terminal loop with significantly expanded capacity.

The return-to-terminal ramps are used mostly by drivers who circle the airport while waiting to pick up arriving passengers. It is also used by drivers who access the airport's curbside from the south entrance off International Blvd.

From the south airport entrance (S. 182nd St entrance) drivers will be able to access the airport garage, but will have to use a detour to access the departure curbside, arrival curbside, ground transportation center, and rental car return. Traffic entering from S 182nd St will be required to detour to a return-to-terminal route, provided via S 170th St and Air Cargo Rd.

"The best option for drivers coming to the airport to pick up arriving travelers is to park in the airport garage," said Mark Reis, managing director of aviation for the Port. "Even though we are providing a detour, it will be easier to park and meet incoming travelers at their baggage claim carousel than to circle the airport while the roadways are under construction."

As roadway work progresses, travelers should plan to be at the airport two hours before their flight, and to watch signage for guidance through detours and lane changes.

Sound Transit and the Port of Seattle are working together in a close partnership to build Airport Link light rail and the airport roadway improvements. Light rail service to the airport will start in December 2009. By 2020 more than 45,000 riders a day are forecasted to ride the light rail system connecting Downtown Seattle and the Airport.