RIC Garage Lighting Replacement Running Updates

Please note that updates will be posted periodically as project phases progress and parking space availability changes.

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October 16, 2025

RIC continues to see a cycle of early AM availability in the garages due to returning travelers from the preceding evening, full garage utilization by mid-day with new departures.

Customers are urged to permit more time for parking in the event that the garages fill and your parking location – following variable message and parking detour signs – changes to an Economy parking lot.

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October 8, 2026

The garages hit capacity midday today and directional signs were activated by RIC’s parking team to direct customers to Economy Parking. On a typical day, enough returning customers come in with evening arrivals to create sufficient vehicle parking for early departures the next morning.

Given that this is a long holiday weekend, parking customers are encouraged to add 15-30 minutes advance time to locate parking and take free EasyPark shuttles to the terminal when the garages reach capacity.

As far as the lighting project, all reports have it that work is well ahead of schedule – welcome news with holiday travel just around the corner.

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September 29, 2025

As the lighting upgrade has been completed on the second level of the South Garage, work has transitioned to the second level of the North Garage and its expansion. Please be mindful of roadway messaging to use Economy Parking as the decks fill up over the next few days.

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September 24, 2025

As of 4:00 p.m., the garages are full and inbound vehicles are being directed to use Economy Parking.

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September 23, 2025

RIC continues to replace old light fixtures throughout its parking garages (portions of Daily Parking) with new LED lights. Once in place, travelers will enjoy lighting that is not only brighter, but more energy efficient.

Current Work Locations

• The second level of the South Garage, specifically the southernmost extension, where 496 spaces have been removed from service to permit the installation of new fixtures or replacement of old fixtures.
• At the same time, RIC has removed a portion (295 spaces) of the second level of the North Garage to prepare for next week’s transition to the next phase of work.
• Once the South Garage extension re-opens, RIC will close 659 spaces in the North Garage extension  – the northernmost portion – to prepare for lighting replacement work there.
• At peak, RIC will have a maximum of about 14 percent (900-1000) of its non-ADA Daily Parking spaces out of service to allow the garage lighting replacement project to continue.

What Should Customers Do?

• Be prepared to park in areas less familiar to you. For example, if you always park in Daily Parking, you may find that the garages are full and Economy Parking is your best option.
• Be mindful of detours and temporary variable message signs (VMS) along Airport Drive directing you to lots with available parking.
• Wednesday through Saturday seems to be the peak days when facilities may reach capacity.
• Allow more time. If you typically arrive 90 minutes before departure, consider planning for two hours instead.

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September 12, 2025

RIC is replacing old light fixtures throughout its garages with new LED lights. The older fixtures in some cases date back to the mid-1990s, have high maintenance requirements, and are less energy efficient. Once the project is complete, travelers will enjoy lighting that is not only brighter, but more energy efficient.

Work location: The current work area is the second level of the South Garage, where installation of new fixtures or replacement of old fixtures is expected to take 22 calendar days following the start of work which will commence on September 15th. Upon completion of work in the South Garage, the project will move to Levels 1 and 2 of the North Garage for work expected to take about 30 calendar days. Some work will be completed during normal working hours and others during night work.

Preparation: For worker safety and protecting customer vehicles, RIC has closed the second level of the South Garage and South Garage Expansion to empty the area where lighting replacement work will be conducted.

History: This is a continuation of a project started earlier this year when light fixtures were upgraded on drive lanes and ramps around North Garage Level 1, South Garage Level 1, and South Garage Expansion Level 1.

Parking Availability: The North and South Garages will remain open as work progresses. If demand temporarily fills the garages, the Airport will redirect parking customers to Economy Parking (nearby Lots A and B on Eubank Road), using variable message signs on Airport Drive as well as notices at various facilities and on social channels like Facebook, X, Threads, and LinkedIn.

Project Duration: The current phases of the garage lighting replacement project will be conducted over a period spanning September 15th through mid-December.

Questions about the project? Please contact parking@flyrichmond.com.

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