Terminal 1 Modernization Project Is In Full Swing

Raleigh-Durham International Airport

This morning, while taking construction photos in Terminal 1 for our updates on Facebook, I was struck by how much the building has changed in only 11 weeks. Even though I walk through it every week, today I found myself having a hard time finding familiar reference points. 

To say that the Terminal 1 Modernization Project is a renovation is an understatement. Literally everything is being removed except the steel skeleton and the floors separating the levels. What used to be the concourse is now an open span of floor stretching from one end of the building to the other.

At Raleigh-Durham International Airport, we’re excited about the changes in Terminal 1. There’s going to be more natural light in the building, an expanded security checkpoint, more comfortable seating areas and a brand new set of shops and restaurants.

There will also be new amenities, such as a restaurant or shop pre-security and large works of art. Outside, we’re building a canopy over the pick-up and drop-off areas outside the terminal. Terminal 1 won’t be a copy of Terminal 2, but it will be a world-class gateway to our region for the millions of travelers who’ll pass through each year.

Today, demolition is beginning to occur alongside new construction. There are literally thousands of pieces that must come together seamlessly to ensure the terminal opens on time and within budget.

That responsibility falls to Dave Powell, our deputy airport director for facility development.  In his career, Dave has directed the construction of most airport buildings in use today including Terminal 2, the parking garage and the General Aviation Terminal. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vIRufke20Y&feature=plcp]

Dave and his staff work closely with Parsons, a project management firm, and our construction manager at risk, Balfour Beatty D.H. Griffin- A Joint Venture, to coordinate the work of dozens of contractors and subcontractors that have a part to play in transforming Terminal 1.

In the coming weeks, be on the lookout for even more changes as work on the front of Terminal 1 moves into high gear. The familiar blue panels will soon be removed and work on a new canopy will begin.  In the meantime, join us as we keep you updated every step of the way: