Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will open a new north-bound entrance Saturday in the form of a relocated access point from Riverdale Road that will be marked by a 35-foot-tall monument sign.

“We’re excited to open a new entrance for travelers to the world’s busiest and most efficient airport,” said Aviation General Manger Miguel Southwell. “The Maynard H. Jackson International Terminal has a grand entryway coming off I-75 and we wanted to be able to provide the same experience for travelers coming to the domestic terminal, while also improving the safety for motorists.” 

The opening of the intersection of Riverdale Road and Airport Boulevard is the final phase of a major roadway improvement project. As a result of the overall roadway construction project, there are now enhancements to safety on Airport roadways by eliminating short weaves and merges by adding lanes; improving sight lines and wayfinding signage; and increasing the distances between decision points along the roadways. The improved roadways will also reduce congestion caused by traffic leaving the Airport from the Rental Car Center and simplify Airport access from Riverdale Road.

The changes, which are scheduled to go into effect around 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, include the permanent closure of the south end of Terminal Parkway, which has been the airport access point for drivers coming from Riverdale Road. A new span of roadway now connects Terminal Parkway to the southern end of Airport Boulevard, creating the new permanent access point from Riverdale Road at the existing signal-controlled intersection. The monument sign will be located at this intersection.

“The entrance feature will be visible to drivers on Riverdale Rd coming from I-85 and should give them plenty of notice that they’re approaching the Airport entrance,” explains Michael Baker, senior project manager for the roadway improvements. “Having the Airport entrance at an intersection with a traffic signal should make entry from Riverdale Rd much safer.”

Entrances to the Airport from I-85 south at Exit 72, I-85 north at Exit 71, Loop Rd and Camp Creek Pkwy will remain the same as they are currently.

The opening of this new entrance constitutes the final route change for the Airport roadway network. After this, the only major element remaining is the opening of a new third lane on South Terminal Parkway approaching the curb area at the Domestic Terminal South, which should be completed by mid-April. Pavement repair and replacement will continue as traffic volume allows over the next couple of months.