Travelers heading to Miami International Airport better budget some extra time starting May 1, as the lower drive is getting squeezed down to three lanes. Blame the construction of the Flamingo Parking garage extension, which is snatching space from concourses G to J – that's Doors 20 to 33 folks – until November. Taxicabs won't have to sweat it, their lanes are staying put, and if you're used to hotel shuttle pickups downstairs, time to haul your luggage up to the departures level.

It's not all traffic cones and brake lights though. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, some county commissioners, and top brass from Miami International Airport and the Lemartec Corporation kicked things off with a little shin-dig back in February to mark the start of construction. This isn't your run-of-the-mill parking lot – the new addition is tagged at a cool $136 million and will flaunt a shiny new seven levels to stack 2,240 cars, aiming to finish the job by summer 2026. And for those who like their wheels powered by volts rather than gas – 50 charging stations are in the blueprint, according to Miami-Dade's County announcement.

The project's more than just a place to ditch your ride. It's got an eye on the future with energy-saving LED lights and the fancy Parksmart Silver Certification design – a big deal for sustainable garage spaces which is basically a pat on the back for thinking about Mother Earth when you're building a concrete jungle for vehicles. And, just to make the whole ordeal smoother than your pre-flight cocktail, dedicated Miami-Dade Aviation Department officers will be on hand, herding cars and helping lost souls find their way.