The long outdoor walk to catch a flight at Edmonton International Airport (YEG) will soon be over.

The road at the departure level reopens to travelers and traffic on Thursday.

The elevated starting level road was rebuilt and widened with much of the concrete and rebar hidden from view.

From 9 a.m., passengers can again be dropped off near the airport gates.

Travelers will see a new mural as well as safety bollards separating traffic from sidewalks.

Officials say the project was completed ahead of schedule.

“The plan was to still have two lanes open and our ramp and we expected there would still be work on the third lane and the sidewalk, but we completed all of that in 13 months, which in itself is a remarkable achievement for the team,” the airport’s Peter Agnew told reporters on Wednesday.

“One of the main criteria for the success of the project was to ensure that we did not go through two holiday periods without traffic returning to our airport. So we are very grateful to have taken this step and opened it on time. for this busy holiday season. »

Another addition is the exit ramp to leave the starting area, which has expanded to two full lanes instead of one.

With files from David Ewasuk of CTV News Edmonton