Originally Posted by
blockski
On 2) and 3) they've shown concepts for totally re-working the roadway network coming into the airport, to separate arrivals and departures at an earlier point and add more effective curb space for pickup and drop off. This also includes a capital budget for some kind of 'Saarinen Circle' development that seems to replace the surface parking lot with both more drop off space as well as structured parking - the specific details are again yet to be revealed, but it's something accounted for in the new lease and capital plan.
One big error they've made in the short term is not to provide an exit to the "kiss and fly" once you're on the final circle and can assess the traffic. For anyone with just a carryon (and maybe even others) being dropped at the Metro/parking escalators on the "far" side of the circle and walking underground likely takes less time than waiting in traffic. It would also allow the taxi drivers to avoid the loop. As it's designed you have to take the exit onto Aviation Drive, before the congestion appears. Once you pass that exit you're basically committed to the Circle. I.e. an exit road shown in orange.
