For those of you making your way through Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in the coming weeks, plan ahead for some travel hurdles. Starting on the evening of September 23, the eastbound Sky Harbor Boulevard on the north side of Terminal 3 will be off limits from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., impacting overnight commutes until the morning of October 7. This temporary shutdown is due to ongoing work at the airport's Terminal 3 North 2 Concourse project, which necessitates this closure so that crews can safely install support structures during 12-hour overnight shifts.
The closure is expected to lead to substantial backups, particularly for traffic entering from the airport’s western side. While the terminal's inner curb lanes will remain in circulation, all eastbound traffic is being rerouted during those hours. "Significant traffic delays are expected due to the closure of this key corridor through the airport," warned a notice on the Phoenix city government's website. Travel savvy folks might want to consider alternatives—dropping off and picking up passengers at the 24th or 44th Street PHX Sky Train® stations is recommended by the airport authorities to escape the worst of the congestion.
The primary aim of the construction is to bolster Terminal 3’s capacity with six new passenger gates, catering to approximately 25% of the airport's traffic flow. In a bid to enhance traveler experience, the project includes over 173,000 square feet of additional space, replete with amenities such as new commercial outlets, food options, and a lounge area that offers striking views of Camelback Mountain. "The project is pursuing a minimum of LEED Silver Certification through the U.S. Green Building Council," as noted by the official announcement of the city's aviation news.
In the mix-up of detours and closures, ground transportation at Terminal 3 will shuffle to the North Inner Curb, and Ride Share shifts to the South Outer Curb. Those opting for ride-sharing services should check their pickup and drop-off points, as companies may reroute customers to the PHX Sky Train® stations. Access to the Terminal 3 Garage remains uninterrupted on the westbound boulevard, and an exit to the eastbound boulevard will be maintained. The city website states further that more road restrictions part of this project are on the horizon throughout the year, so it's prudent to stay informed through the Phoenix Sky Harbor’s Roadway Restrictions webpage.
Phoenix Sky Harbor serves as a pivotal cog in America's aviation network, seeing an average of 1,000 aircraft and more than 130,000 passengers each day. It's a significant economic engine for the region, with its activities contributing in excess of $44 billion annually. The airport runs on its own generated revenue, operating independently of taxpayer dollars. Given the scope of daily transit through PHX, travelers and locals alike should brace for some adjustment as the city works to improve its infrastructure.
