RDU Airport, NC – The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority today voted to expand the scope of the Terminal C redevelopment project, the largest in the airport’s history. The vote gives approval for the demolition and replacement of the Terminal C south concourse. Until today, the scope of the project focused on the construction of a new north concourse and ticketing, security checkpoint and baggage claim areas.

“Today’s decision to move forward with the south concourse illustrates the Authority’s commitment to building a new terminal that enhances the customer experience but is also cost-effective,” said W. Stephens Toler, chairman of the board of the Airport Authority. “By moving forward, the Authority can take advantage of current material costs and ensure a consistent and comprehensive redevelopment of Terminal C.”

The cost to add the south concourse is $140 million, bringing the total cost of the project to $570 million. The original project cost was $430 million.

With the construction of the south concourse, the new Terminal C will be more than three times larger than its predecessor, growing from 330,000 to 893,000 square feet. When completed, the new terminal will feature 32 gates, three ticketing islands with 60 airline checkin counters, 10 security checkpoint lanes and five baggage carousels.

The new terminal also features the latest in airport design and technology. An inline baggage screening system is integral to the terminal design and will remove all checked luggage screening equipment from the lobby. “Intuitive design” is used to guide passengers effortlessly through the terminal. The terminal will also feature an expanded Federal Inspection Services facility for international travelers.

Built in 1987 as a southeast hub for American Airlines, the original Terminal C had a large concourse but limited space for ticketing, security checkpoint and baggage claim. Today, over 95 percent of RDU’s passengers begin and end their trips at RDU. As a result, the airport is in need of a terminal that can accommodate the millions of passengers who start their trip at the airline ticket counter.

In 2003, the Authority’s project definition team completed a roadmap for the replacement of Terminal C. Exercising caution after the September 11 terror attacks and the economic downturn, the Authority voted that year to move forward with only a portion of the project. In 2005, as it became clear that travel at RDU had rebounded, the Authority signaled its intent to move forward with the replacement of the south concourse.

This week, Authority staff completed negotiations with Archer Western, the general contractor on the project, to complete the south concourse.

The new Terminal C will open in phases between 2008 and 2010.

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