Austin getting back to normal after F1

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Crews hustled Monday morning to clean up the Austin Fan Fest aftermath and reopen streets . 

The party stopped around 2 a.m., giving workers only a couple hours to pack up.

Meanwhile, at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, there was a steady line of cars, shuttles and buses dropping passengers off all morning long. Most appeared to be race fans heading home – fans from Indiana to Montreal to Mexico.

There also were Thanksgiving travelers mixed in. Airport officials urged travelers to arrive at least two hours ahead of schedule. At times, the line at the security checkpoints were backed up, wrapping around walls and through the double doors outside.

At other times, there was no line at the security checkpoints, but things were backed up at the ticket counters.

Extra security officers were on hand, and an extra checkpoint was opened last week. Airport employees were also stationed around the check-in/security area helping people navigate through the crowd.

ABIA spokesman Jim Halbrook said those returning rental cars need to allow a lot of extra time. There are 5,000 rental cars that are supposed to be dropped off today – that’s 3,500 more than a normal day.

Austin Fan Fest, which was sponsored by Mobile 1, shut down much of downtown since Wednesday.  Crews spent two days setting up for the outdoor activities. 

Streets were lined with barriers and detour signs to help ease the traffic flow with all the road closures.

According to the city of Austin, even though Congress Avenue reopened at 6 a.m. Monday, some roads will still be blocked off.

Third and Fourth streets between Congress Avenue and Colorado Street are expected to open by midnight. The stretch between Second and Fourth streets and along Colorado Street will be closed until 6 p.m. Monday.