October 5, 1999
Immediate Release
Doug Myers
518-242-222

AIRPORT TRAFFIC PATTERNS TO CHANGE-NEW TOLL PLAZA TO OPEN

ALBANY, NY -- (October 5, 1999) - - New and convenient traffic patterns will take effect beginning at 12:00 p.m. Noon, Wednesday, October 6 at the Albany International Airport. The improvements will provide passengers and visitors easier access from airport parking lots to the terminal and Airport exits

The improvements will enable drivers to exit the parking garage, short term and long-term economy parking lots through a new controlled intersection that will provide direct access to Dalessondro Boulevard. An alternate exit will provide quick and easy access to the front of the terminal.

"We are continuing to make significant changes to further improve our facilities and service to both passengers and visitors to the Albany International Airport," said Rev. Michael A. Farano, Chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority. "We've designed these latest improvements to assist drivers exit the airport parking lots and make it more convenient for them to return to the terminal to pick up passengers."

The new parking toll plaza will increase the number of parking lot exits from four to five. The additional exit will help expedite traffic flow from the Airport's parking garage and surface parking lots. All exit gates will accept credit cards.

The Airport recently completed redesign, paving and striping of two existing long-term parking lots. Paving of a third ground lot is scheduled to begin shortly.

The Airport's new 1,600 car parking garage was fully opened in February of this year. The demand for the enclosed parking exceeded all Airport estimates and within three days of opening, the garage was completely full. Recently, the Albany County Airport Authority approved the construction of an 829-car addition to the garage. Construction of the garage addition is expected to begin in the spring of 2000.

The Airport now has over 3,000 available parking places. Parking rates at the Albany International Airport remain among the lowest of airports of comparable size. Over 700,000 vehicles pass through the Airport's ticket booths each year. The average vehicle remains parked for four days.

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