Travelers and Workers Should Expect Detours/Slowdowns
Beginning this Monday, October 14, lanes will be narrowed on Terminal Drive, the main roadway in and out of the Will Rogers World Airport terminal area for roadway construction. It is anticipated that airport traffic will be significantly impacted.
The construction zone will begin on Meridian Avenue just north of the S.W. 54th Street bridge. From there, Meridian Avenue/Terminal Drive will be narrowed to one lane in each direction. At Meridian and SW 54th Street, there will be no left turns onto or off of SW 54th St. Due to the left turn restrictions, vehicles will be detoured to Air Cargo Road or Amelia Earhart Lane depending on the direction from which drivers are approaching. To avoid confusion, the airport strongly encourages both inbound and outbound drivers to utilize Airport Rd. in lieu of 54th Street.
The southbound lane closures will extend all the way to the terminal, but all parking facilities will be accessible. Signage will be in place to help direct parkers.
Those coming to the airport or those who work in the vicinity, should expect traffic backups and delays particularly in the early morning hours and late afternoon. This should be factored into the time allotted to get to a flight or to work. The airport is recommending allowing an additional 15-20 minutes to navigate the construction.
Terminal Drive has been deteriorating over the last several years due to an insufficient roadway base to handle the increased vehicular and bus traffic. This full depth repair will result in new asphalt paving for Terminal Drive. The $4.5 million project is divided into three phases and expected to last for eight months. A map is attached depicting the roadway closures and detours.