HOUSTON – Houston Airports is investing over a billion dollars expanding terminal capacity to meet the growing airline demand to support the continued growth of Houston. In an ongoing effort to mitigate traffic delays experienced during evening peak periods at IAH (5 p.m.- 8 p.m.), Houston Airports has implemented the following improvements. 
 
Effective June 6, the elevators in the Terminal E international arrivals are back in operation, allowing for the removal of the bussing shuttles from the pickup curbside. This change introduces an additional roadway lane on South Terminal Road and extends the length of the curb for private vehicles and rideshare services.
 
Further Improvements Forthcoming
 
In mid-June, additional roadway capacity and terminal traffic separation will be implemented at the east entrance to the Central Terminal Area. There will be two lanes dedicated for Terminal C departures and arrivals, two lanes for Terminal D departures and an additional lane will serve as a bypass for vehicles heading toward Terminal E international arrivals. These adjustments will improve merge points and traffic loads for arriving and departing passengers. 
 
On July 1, the temporary detour for the Terminal C departures ramp will be replaced with the reopening of the original departures ramp, allowing for improved traffic flow and exit of the Central Terminal Area.
 
On July 15, further South Terminal Road modifications will take effect, removing another temporary detour and allowing for a more seamless traffic flow and exit from the Central Terminal Area. The improvement will reduce pinch points and improve the overall traffic flow and exit.
 
On Nov. 1, construction on the United Airlines’ Early Bag Storage structure will be completed and all lanes will be open on South Terminal Road.
 
Traveler Information
 
Even as these measures improve conditions, significant traffic is still likely during peak flight operation times (5 p.m.-8 p.m.). To manage expectations, Houston Airports continues recommending passengers to prepare and carefully plan their trip to Bush Airport. If you are traveling during peak travel times, please build an extra hour into your arrival time to comfortably get to your gate on time. 
 
The traffic challenges result from major construction on the International Terminal expansion along with ongoing major construction projects from partners, all occurring within a fully operational airport facility. These projects are critical to support the growing demand and capacity needs, improve aged facilities, install state-of-the-art technology, and support achieving Houston Airports’ vision of George Bush Intercontinental Airport becoming a 5-star airport.
 
Passengers can get airport updates by following Bush Airport’s Twitter @IAH and Facebook @BushAirport  accounts.