The two "return-to-terminal" ramps at Sea-Tac International Airport were permanently closed on Oct. 9.

They will be demolished in the next several weeks to clear the way for the light rail extension from South 154th Street to the airport and major airport roadway improvements.

A new, expanded return-to-terminal loop with significantly increase vehicle capacity.

Mostly drivers who circle the airport while waiting to pick up arriving passengers used the return-to-terminal ramps. Drivers who access the terminal's curbsides from the south entrance off International Boulevard also used the ramps.

Drivers using the airport entrance at S. 182nd Street still can access the Sea-Tac parking garage, but must use a detour to access the departure and arrival curbsides, ground transportation center, and rental car return.

This traffic now must detour to a return-to-terminal route via South 170th Street and Air Cargo Road.

"The best option for drivers coming to the airport to pick up arriving travelers is to park in the airport garage," said Mark Reis, managing director of aviation for the Port.

"Even though we are providing a detour, it will be easier to park and meet incoming travelers at their baggage claim carousel than to circle the airport while the roadways are under construction."

As roadway work progresses, travelers should plan to be at the airport two hours before their flight, and to watch signage for guidance through detours and lane changes, he added.

Sound Transit and the Port of Seattle are working together to build Airport Link light rail and the airport roadway improvements.

The Port operates the airport.

Light rail service to the airport will start in December 2009. By 2020 more than 45,000 riders a day are forecasted to ride the light rail system connecting downtown Seattle and the Airport.