ORLANDO, Fla. – ,Orlando International Airport could soon see major changes aimed at easing traffic congestion for travelers heading to and from the airport.
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) is on track to accept $2.5 million in public transportation grant money from the Florida Department of Transportation to improve traffic flow at the intersection of Jeff Fuqua Boulevard at South Park Place and Station Loop Road.
Drivers who frequent the airport say the area can be a headache.
“It wasn’t too bad this morning, but I’ve come here before, and it was really bad,” said Bob Cote, an airport traveler.
Kayla Sandford, another traveler, said the congestion tends to peak during early morning hours.
“Today it was fine. But usually when I come here in the morning, when flights are between, you know, five and 7 or 8 a.m., it’s really congested. It’s pretty bad,” Sandford said.
Planned improvements include widening the intersection and simplifying traffic movements, with the goal of reducing congestion and cutting down on pollution from vehicles idling at red lights. The eastern side of the Terminal A entrance would also be widened.
Other changes include replacing some overhead signs that drivers see when pulling into the airport, as well as removing one rental car return lane.
“I’ve never liked it. I’ve never liked it,” Chuck Harduby said about the intersection at Jeff Fuqua Boulevard.
“This is not the first time I’ve come here, and there’s been an accident at this location. So, you know, it’s just — it’s tough."
While Sandford welcomes the planned improvements, she hopes upgrades can eventually extend inside the airport as well.
“The inside of Terminal A and Terminal B, the carpet, it’s outdated,” she said. “If you’ve been in Terminal C, it’s wonderful. And that is what I feel like people coming to Orlando should see, because it’s such a wonderful city.”
GOAA will also review passenger traffic at its board meeting, which could reflect a dip following Spirit Airlines’ closure last month.
The board meets on Wednesday at 2 p.m.