FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2000
Media Contact: Mike Blanton, Public Affairs Manager
Phone: (919) 840-2100, ext. 207 Pager: (919) 981-2135

Plans for Next Parking Deck at RDU Reviewed

RDU Airport, NC --- RDU Airport, NC - The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority today reviewed plans of the next parking deck to be built near the terminals. The 6,000-space parking deck will have seven levels and will connect with the newest parking deck at RDU.

To handle the influx of cars, the toll plaza will be expanded from eight to 18 bays. A new "Pay on Foot" system will also be introduced. This system will allow passengers to use a computer inside the pedestrian tunnel to pre-pay parking before walking to the car to exit.

The project requires the demolition of three buildings, movement of roadways and staff parking areas. It is one of the most complex in RDU's history. Construction bids are scheduled to go out late this year and construction may possibly start as early as Spring, 2001. The proposed parking deck will use the same user-friendly design concepts incorporated in the newest parking deck such as: large column spacing, high ceilings, flat floors, high-intensity lighting and glass-door elevators.

Four of the five levels of the newest parking deck opened in May, 2000. The lower level and pedestrian tunnel connecting the parking deck to Terminal A is expected to open soon.

The long range parking plan calls for a series of parking decks with more than 15,000 spaces to be built between terminals A & C. There are presently 4,474 Daily parking spaces and 963 Hourly parking spaces between the terminals.