It might be a little harder to find parking at the Durango-La Plata County Airport over the next few months.
DRO announced on Wednesday that it will be starting a construction project on its overflow parking area west of the airport on Wednesday. The project seeks to add 276 new parking spaces to the airport’s inventory and will cost roughly $1.1 million.
All funding for the project comes from airport revenue streams.
“The May and June period tend to be slightly lower use for local travelers and a little bit higher for visitors. So, we don't see a big local demand,” said Aviation Director Tony Vicari.
Construction is likely to finish around July 15, according to a news release from the airport.
He said airport parking demands tend to ramp-up during the later summer months and into the fall, creating a sense of urgency to get the project done before the lots are at risk of reaching full capacity on a consistent basis.
But more parking was necessary to keep up with the increased travel demand at the airport. Vicari said last year the airport saw an 18% jump in travelers and this year it has been around a 15% increase so far.
During the summer, local resident usage of the airport sits at about 58%. Normally, the only time the airport’s parking lots reach full capacity it during Thanksgiving. But recently, Vicari has noticed that lot space has been nearing capacity on a more frequent basis.
He said lots had almost reached capacity on Thursday afternoon.
Airport staff is advising travelers to arrive 10 to 15 minutes earlier when flying out of DRO.
“There's a very good chance that people will be parking from much further away from the terminal than what they're used to,” Vicari said.
During construction, lot capacity will be limited on a consistent basis and it depends on the time of week. Vicari says the lots tend to fill up later in the week when residents are traveling for the weekend. Earlier in the week the airport tends to see less cars parked in the lots.
“To reduce parking demand, we would like to ask the public’s help in promoting carpooling and pick up/drop off options,” Vicari said.
tbrown@durangoherald.com
