In preparation for the anticipated swell in passengers due to Spring Break, McGhee Tyson Airport has announced changes to traffic patterns and parking garage access, reports WVLT. From March 6 to March 24, the airport's main entrance off Alcoa Highway will be closed nightly from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., redirecting southbound drivers to the Hunt Road exit, which officials say is a safer option given the expected traffic volume.
During these closure periods, visitors are directed to follow signs to the terminal, with the Hunt Road exit detour passing by economy parking lots and the Hilton before reaching its destination. Despite the redirection, northbound traffic on Alcoa Highway will remain unaffected by these changes, allowing for uninterrupted access to those approaching from that direction, officials made it clear that traffic will be redirected, during closure times, those coming from the north on Alcoa Highway won't be affected and the exit process will stay the same.
Furthermore, the airport has indicated that starting the week of March 10, the entrance to the parking garage will be relocated near its current location with clear signage to guide vehicles to it, as stated in an announcement by WIVK. Passengers are being encouraged to check FlyKnoxville.com for real-time parking availability, download airline apps for boarding and luggage information, and pack wisely to ensure expedited travel. They're also reminded to abide by TSA's checkpoint screening equipment, which requires strictly that carry-on bags meet airline size requirements; oversized luggage may necessitate check-in.
To avoid congestion at the curbside which is reserved for immediate pick-ups and drop-offs, airport officials suggest utilizing the Phone & Wait Lot, a free area where drivers can wait until passengers are ready for collection, "Because our curb is not for parking, it's for continuous loading and unloading only and moving on, the more we can keep that movement going through that area, the quicker everybody can get pick up their person," airport spokesperson Becky Huckaby told Knox News. The airport also advises those not traveling during Spring Break to prepare for summer travel by ensuring they have a REAL ID or a renewed passport.
With Knox County Schools and several others in the vicinity scheduled for Spring Break during the latter part of the redirection period, families are gearing up for vacations, prompting the airport to manage the uptick in travel more efficiently and safely. As travel dates coincide with local school holidays, airport administrators are bracing for an even higher surge in activity. They remain attentive to the effectiveness of the new traffic flow to potentially implement similar measures for future peak travel times.
