ARLINGTON, Va. — A bird’s eye over Reagan National Airport will help you bypass traffic on access roads, made worse by construction.
For the second year, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority has devoted extra help to make sure your drive to and from the airport is smooth. Airport officials expect more than a million passengers will pass through our airports for Thanksgiving.
"We really have it down to a science where the chokepoints are," Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police Chief David Huchler said.
Airport officials say you should brace for a slow drive to the airport, especially in rainy weather.
Airport construction has closed some airport roads, including the cell phone lot. Officials hope to avoid another mega-backup like the one during last year’s long Veterans Day weekend.
WUSA9 was given an exclusive look at the traffic command center, overseen by Sargent Jerry Trotta. He keeps an eye on the dozens of cameras and radios his officers use to trouble spots.
"It’s kind of like puzzle pieces," Trotta said. "The biggest thing is to try to keep traffic flowing as best as possible."
Chief Huchler said officers can open and close certain roads to ensure that the traffic keeps flowing, even during peak traffic times. An employee bus stop has been transformed into an extra drop-off spot to cars keep moving.
Traffic control officers like Corporal Gregory Price say it’s a tough job, but worth it.
"It’s incredibly busy," Price said."It’s a lot of hours on our feet, but we’re used to it."
Airport officials are urging travelers to take advantage of the free hour of parking in airport garages. But most of all, they say travelers should consider taking Metro