Many noticeable changes are coming to Fort Wayne International Airport as part of the Terminal Road Construction Project. 

The six-phase project enters phase three Monday as crews transition all airport traffic onto a new entrance road. The current entrance will then be blocked off to traffic. 

Officials said the main goal of the project is to improve traffic flow in and out of the airport, and so far everything has gone smoothly.

“The construction has gone very well, in spite of all the rain that we’ve had this year,” Scott Hinderman, Executive Director of Airports, said. “We’ve been able to move the project along, and we are about ready to make a big step here this week.”

The Cell Phone Lot on the right-hand side of the new terminal drive will also reopen Monday. Additionally, a portion of Ross Drive will be restricted to one lane during phase three because of construction.

Other changes include the construction of a new Economy parking lot exit through the Long Term lot, the construction of a temporary access point from the new terminal drive to Long Term parking, a new sidewalk connecting the Economy and Long Term lots, and the removal of both the old 2nd Street and old Ross Drive.

It’s also important to note that handicapped parking will not be available in the economy lot during phases three and four because of construction. People with needing handicapped parking will instead have to find handicapped spots in the short term and long term lots.

Airport officials said they know all of the construction can cause some headaches, but it’ll all be worth it in the end. 

“Everybody use a little common sense, a little patience as you come into the airport,” Hinderman siad. “We’re doing this to improve our facility for northeast Indiana, and we’re looking forward to having it done as well.”

Phase three of the project is expected to last about 15 days. 

Phase four will last 20 contract days and will bring a new entrance for Short Term parking. Crews will also finish the remaining lanes of the new Ross Drive.  

The fifth phase will follow for 10 contract days, with the curb and gutter placement for Long and Short Term parking entrances.

During the final phase, crews will surface and the place markings and finish the complete restoration of the construction site.

If everything goes as planned, officials expect the total project to be finished by the end of September, or the beginning of October.