October 11, 2007

SJ Airport construction continuesInterim Skyport connector open

The new Skyport connector now links the San Jose Mineta Airport’s terminal roadway directly to Skyport Drive. Drivers should find the new road easier to navigate because it will cut off the long southern loop of the terminal road. You now can leave the airport via Skyport to reach Highway 87 directly, and you can return to the terminals and parking by turning left, or exit the airport south to Coleman Avenue and I-880.

As airport construction continues to alter traffic patterns and parking, expect some road congestion. Officials encourage all travelers to add a little more time for getting around the airport.

Starting Monday, Oct. 8, Northwest Airlines was relocated to Gate C4, in the south end of Terminal C. This will add passenger traffic to the security checkpoint for that part of the terminal, but TSA is working with the airport to manage the change.

Northwest's move to Gate C4 continues the realignment of aircraft “parking spots” at Terminal C to consolidate operations in the reconfigured terminal. This is another step to prepare for the demolition of the north end of Terminal C in January that will clear the way for the start of construction on the new Terminal B.

A more efficient consolidated security checkpoint is scheduled to open in Terminal C next month. This will provide better customer service and reduce waiting for passengers, especially at peak times. By bringing three separate checkpoints together in Terminal C, security staff will have more flexibility screening passengers when traffic is greatest.

In addition, most food and beverage services and more restrooms now will be after the security check points, making it easier for travelers before boarding their flights. Coffee and snacks will be available pre-security near the baggage claim area.

After the consolidation, the north end of Terminal C will be closed to prepare it for demolition in January 2008 and clear the site for the construction of the new Terminal B.

Reduction of Terminal C short-term parking scheduled in November
When construction starts for new roadways in front of Terminal C, workers will take over the Terminal C short-term parking area, reducing the number of parking spaces in the west side (terminal side) of the parking lot. There will be plenty of short-term parking available in the Terminal A garage, and it’s very easy to catch a blue shuttle bus to get to Terminal C that runs every few minutes between the terminals.

After Thanksgiving, a temporary hourly parking lot is scheduled to open on the south side of the Terminal C baggage claim building, and the current lot in front of the terminal will close.

The new temporary lot will be used mostly by drivers who park on hourly basis, generally those who are picking up and dropping off passengers. Daily parkers will be encouraged to use the Terminal A garage, and the long-term lot west side of the airport has plenty of room. This parking lot change will be necessary for work to begin on the new 3350-space consolidated rental car and public parking garage that will go up where the surface lot is now.

Because the $1.3-billion project to replace and upgrade the SJC terminal area is complex and moving fast, construction schedules are subject to continuing revision. Updates will be available as project details occur.