Headed for the airport? Major traffic pattern changes begin Tuesday

MILWAUKEE (WITI) – Drivers and passengers at General Mitchell International Airport should be aware of major traffic pattern changes beginning Tuesday, April 29 due to the Airport’s Baggage Claim Renovation Project.

The Baggage Claim roadway will be closed to all vehicles except shuttles and buses.

The best option for drivers to avoid delays is to use Hourly Parking. Free parking has been extended to one hour, offering plenty of time to meet arriving passengers in the terminal.

Passengers being picked up by friends or family should encourage drivers to meet them in Hourly Parking rather than the Baggage Claim curb. The first hour of parking is free.

Drivers who choose not to use Hourly Parking should expect delays on the Ticketing/Baggage Claim roadway.

Arriving passengers should use the exits behind the escalators opposite from the usual exit to the Baggage Claim roadway. Drivers can meet passengers at Passenger Pickup Areas A and B, located on the shared Ticketing/Baggage Claim roadway.

Additional signage and staff have been added to assist drivers and arriving passengers.

There will be no changes for passengers accessing shuttles and buses.

“The shared Baggage Claim/Ticketing roadway will be congested. Circling around the airport roadways while waiting for arriving passengers will be frustrating for drivers,” said Interim Airport Director Terry Blue. “Our best advice is to use Hourly Parking instead. It is much easier, and you won’t run the risk of receiving a parking violation.”

Phase one of the Baggage Claim renovation project will open this summer. The entire project will be completed in 2015.