OREANDA-NEWS. Sydney Airport will open the first stage of road and car park upgrades at T1 this month, on schedule and in time to cater for the busy Christmas holiday travel season.

The T1 project, which forms the first part of the airport's Ground Transport Solutions plan, has been designed to improve traffic flow at and around the airport.

Stage One improvements include a new, faster public pick up zone to provide motorists with a more convenient area to collect passengers; a new centre road to improve traffic circulation; dedicated car park exits for city and west/southbound traffic; and relocation of car park entry and exit boom gates to streamline traffic flow around the precinct.

"Our priority in upgrading the road network at T1 is to make it easier to travel to and from the airport by car, taxi or public transport," Sydney Airport general manager, parking and ground transport, Craig Norton, said.

"The improvements will benefit airline passengers and other airport visitors, airport workers and Sydney motorists and commuters, as well as pedestrians and cyclists," he said.

The new, purpose-built public pick up zone has 25 per cent additional capacity compared to the existing pick up area.

It features a one-way, drive-in/drive-out parking layout that will negate the need for drivers to reverse out of parking bays, resulting in faster, more efficient pick up times and improved safety for both motorists and pedestrians.

A large, covered waiting area alongside the pick up zone has also been built to provide shelter and seating for passengers waiting for friends or family to collect them.

The new centre road will improve traffic flow into and around the T1 precinct, particularly during peak periods, while new, dedicated exits have been constructed for motorists heading either to the city along Airport Drive or to the west or south on Marsh Street.

Relocated entry and exit boom gates to the T1 outdoor and multi-storey car parks will reduce traffic queuing, while an improved outdoor car park layout will mean better traffic flow and greater pedestrian safety.

"Visitors to T1 will notice an improved experience whether they are picking up or dropping off passengers, or parking in the multi-storey or outdoor T1 car parks," Mr Norton said.

"Construction of these important improvements has gone to schedule and will be open in time for the traditionally busy Christmas holiday travel season at the airport," he said.

Stage Two improvements in 2015 include an expanded T1 taxi holding bay, improved limo and hire car facilities.

"We are also planning further improvements at T1 next year, which will include commencing an upgrade of the Marsh Street entrance to the precinct," Mr Norton said.

Proposed initiatives at T2/T3 include:

A new one-way road system extending from Seventh Street to connect Shiers Avenue to Qantas Drive and linking the T2/T3 (Domestic) terminals, which will increase the capacity of major intersections, provide more 'green light' time and reduce traffic congestion; and

A ground transport interchange, including a bus/coach station and storage for 4,000 vehicles, to encourage greater use of public transport and accommodate recently announced new government bus routes to the airport.

"Our Ground Transport Solutions comprises a comprehensive package of major projects to improve the passenger experience for everyone travelling to and from the airport," Mr Norton said.