RDU announces plan for $500 million update to ease congestion at the curb

The plan is for a consolidated rental car facility between Terminals 1 and 2, as well as access to ride share, taxi, shuttle and limousine services - basically all ground transportation other than private vehicles - to alleviate congestion at the terminals' curbside drop-off and pick-up.

Posted 2:46 p.m. Sep 23, 2019 — Updated 5:23 p.m. Sep 23, 2019

MORRISVILLE, N.C. — Over the next 5 to 7 years, Raleigh-Durham International Airport will invest about $500 million to upgrade the ground experience for visitors. The plan is for a consolidated rental car facility between Terminals 1 and 2, as well as access to ride share, taxi, shuttle and limousine services – basically all ground transportation other than private vehicles – to alleviate congestion at the terminals' curbside drop-off and pick-up.

The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Board of Directors got their first look at the plans, including a 3-D animation, at a recent meeting.

The Consolidated Rental Car Facility (CONRAC) and Ground Transportation Center would include a six-story parking garage, with spaces to charge electric vehicles. Travelers will no longer need to take a shuttle bus to rental car facilities, but they will have to do some walking.

The changes will include both an overground walkway and an underground tunnel, eliminating the walk at street level.

Money for the project comes from RDU rental car fees.

In the terminals and in the air, RDU is growing to keep up with demand, adding new routes and more gates to accommodate more flights and more passengers.

About 1.3 million flyers passed through RDU in August, up more than 11 percent from the same month a year ago, airport spokesman Jake Potter said.

The long-term gain brings short-timer pain, however.

Improvements to the existing parking garages will put an average of 1,150 spots per week off limits through May 2020.

Airport leaders recommend that customers book parking online at ParkRDU.com at least 24 hours in advance to guarantee a spot.

The best option for those who do not pre-book and find that the garage is full is to continue on John Brantley Boulevard to the ParkRDU Express lot, located on International Drive. Customers who park in Express will be picked up at their vehicle, assisted with their luggage and taken directly to the terminal curb by a shuttle that runs every five minutes.

All parking spaces will be open during the holiday travel season, from Saturday, Nov. 23 through Friday, Jan. 3.

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