The Port of Seattle opened Sea-Tac International Airport's new northbound Airport Expressway and return-to-terminal loop roadway March 27, significantly reducing congestion for traffic leaving the airport._

_This is a major step in relocating the expressway to accommodate more than a mile of light rail guideway between the northbound and southbound traffic lanes.

The recent construction replaces the old road expressway that was inadequate for increasing traffic levels and contributed to long vehicle queues during peak periods.

Southbound expressway lanes were rebuilt and relocated previously. Construction is still underway on some sections of the airport roadway, however, so motorists are still advised to exercise caution.

The new loop ramp will reduce traffic congestion on the airport roads, particularly on the drop-off and pick-up curbs in front of the terminal. It also makes the return route simpler and faster, since traffic had been forced to exit at South 170th Street to re-enter the expressway on the west.

A new relocated exit for South 170th Street moves traffic farther to the east for easy access to International Boulevard.

Sound Transit's work on the Airport Link segment of the light rail line between the airport and downtown Seattle continues on schedule to open in December 2009.

Contractors are focused on completing the light rail tracks between Tukwila Station at South 154th Street and SeaTac/Airport Station, which is rising just east of the airport parking garage.

This work is being done in coordination with the port's work to shift the traffic lanes into and out of the airport.

For more information on construction at Sea-Tac Airport, visit www.portseattle.org