Oct. 7—If you're flying out of George Bush Intercontinental anytime soon, officials say you'll likely want to build in some extra time for the trip.
Houston Airports issued a traffic alert this week regarding upcoming lane closures that will affect travelers making their way to and from the airport over the next month. Beginning on Monday, Oct. 10, temporary lane closures will reroute traffic along North Terminal Road leading to Terminals C, D and E for the next four weeks as construction begins on elements related to the airport's new international terminal.
Officials are asking travelers to adjust their travel plans to allow for up to an extra hour of transit time into the airport.
"Houston Airports recommends people prepare for their trip to Bush Airport by planning ahead and utilizing resources like reserving garage parking online, waiting in cellphone lots until an arriving passenger is curbside and building an extra hour into your usual arrival time should you arrive during peak travel hours," officials stated.
The extended closure will allow CenterPoint Energy technicians to place "crucial electrical infrastructure" that will power a renovated Mickey Leland International Terminal. Tagged the "IAH Terminal Redevelopment Plan," work on the project began in 2015 and took its first significant steps in 2020 with the demolition of the Terminal D/E Parking garage.
Slated for completion in late 2024, the new international terminal will feature a 17-lane security checkpoint and updated dining and leisure facilities.
Traffic delays connected to the terminal's ongoing construction have caused significant headaches for travelers making their way to and from Bush Airport in 2022.
In June a stream of travelers stuck in gridlock on the airport's approach roads opted to leave their rideshares and rental cars behind and walk the remaining distance to their terminals in order to make their flights. One motorist attempting to pick up their parents snapped a photo of individuals walking through grass on the roadside as construction caused traffic to mount in the area.
At the time of these delays, officials were similarly asking travelers to arrive an hour early for their flights.
___
(c)2022 the Houston Chronicle
Visit the Houston Chronicle at www.chron.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
