The terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport, estimated to cost 1.4 billion dollars, is nearly finished after more than two years of work. The project is currently at the midway point and is expected to be completed the following year.
(Photo : Pexels/Adrian Agawin )
Construction of Pittsburgh International Airport
In October 2021, the authority began construction on the terminal, which is 700,000 square feet in size. Although it is intended to be smaller, it is appropriate for Pittsburgh's growing needs. Landside and Airside terminals, which are still in use today, were constructed in 1992 with the capacity to serve 35 million people for what was then a significant hub for United States Airways. Despite this, the airport lost its status as a hub in 2004, and in 2019, before the pandemic, it could only accommodate 10 million people annually.
The Allegheny County Airport Authority's chief development officer and executive vice president, Paul Hoback, stated that construction is 60% finished, and the airport is on target to operate in 2025. On Thursday, Feb. 29, he took a tour of journalists working across the construction area but still needs to provide further details regarding an exact opening date.
As mentioned, the event's centerpiece was a tour across the 140-foot bridge and tunnel to link the newly constructed terminal with the current runway area. The tunnel and bridge are planned to be similar to the Fort Pitt Tunnel and its entrance to the Downtown section of Pittsburgh. Hoback claims there will be a period between the completion of construction and the opening of the new terminal to permit testing to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Volunteers will be enlisted to navigate the airport as passengers to rectify malfunctions.
Moreover, the officials have stated that the taxpayers will not be required to contribute to the total amount of the payment. According to Hoback, the funding is provided by the airline's partners. All of them have reportedly shown their constant backing for this endeavor. When it comes to this project, not a single penny of money from either the local or state taxpayers is invested.
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Modernization of the Airport
Compared to the current terminal, the new terminal will be situated directly in front of the gates. At this time, passengers must use a shuttle service between the existing landside and airside terminals to reach the gates. Next to the new terminal, there will be a parking garage with five levels. It will have 3,300 parking spots for the general public and 900 parking spots reserved for car rental firms, mostly covered.
Following the completion of the new terminal, the tram that transports passengers between the landside and airside terminals will be removed from service. There will also be open areas within and outside the new terminal, seating, and native plants. In addition, the new terminal is anticipated to feature eleven security lanes, which is approximately twice as many as the current amount.
On the other hand, technology and public health are central to the new terminal's design, which includes ventilation systems, huge communal spaces, and a 90,000-square-foot outdoor terrace. The three-tier terminal reportedly features a natural wood ceiling and multi-level glass windows to maximize natural light for travelers. As the second primary emphasis area for the new terminal, technology will be the focus of the airport's efforts to expedite passenger processing procedures.
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