Alexandria, VA — The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority has announced the start of construction to improve the bicycle and pedestrian paths in and around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and to build a new vehicular entrance to the airport.

The project includes the construction of a new entrance to the airport from the northbound George Washington Memorial Parkway coming towards the airport from Alexandria; separation of pedestrian and bicycle traffic from vehicular traffic with the building of two bridges on the Mount Vernon Trail, and a new entrance ramp to the third level of Parking Garage A for rental car returns.

When complete, all vehicular traffic to National from the G.W. Parkway will come through the current main entrance at the north end of the airport. Bicyclists, joggers and pedestrians will no longer have to wait for a break in airport traffic to continue on the pathway that runs along the G.W. Parkway near the Potomac River. Motorists returning rental cars will have a special entrance to avoid merging with motorists going to Parking Garage A, and the airport shuttle buses will drop passengers directly in front of Garage A.

Said Airports Authority President/CEO James A. Wilding, "The new roadway configuration will greatly improve the efficiency of vehicle movement on airport grounds. We also are pleased with the addition of two pedestrian and bicycle bridges that will allow non-vehicle access to the airport in a safer manner and accommodate the needs of those who use the pathways near the airport for recreational purposes."

A construction contract for $4.6 million has been awarded to Lane Construction Company. Work will be completed in phases with the rental car ramp slated for spring 1999. The entrance ramp from the G.W. Parkway and the pedestrian bridges are expected to be completed in fall 1999

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