Airport Advisory Commission seeks better traffic management during car crashes [Video]

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin’s Airport Advisory Commission is recommending the airport staff to coordinate with state and local partners to ensure at least one lane of traffic is open near the airport under most circumstances so passengers can make their flight on time.

The recommendation relates to instances when State Highway 71, the sole entrance and exit out of Austin’s airport, is shut down due to a major crash. On Nov. 15 last year, a fatal crash shut down all eastbound lanes just before the airport exit and created a tremendous traffic jam.

Airport staff sent various alerts on social media to warn travelers of the major delays they could see on the drive to the airport. One traveler took to social media to say they left early to get to the airport but encountered traffic that was backed up for hours.

Council member Vanessa Fuentes, District 2, supports the …