RDU Airport, NC – Crews at Raleigh-Durham International Airport are in the last year of work on the modernized Terminal 1. The airport is renovating the decades old terminal. When completed, it will feature more natural lighting, new security checkpoint and new shops and restaurants, including the country’s first ACC American Café.

Major elements of the project include:

One concourse featuring 9 gates
Second level security checkpoint with 4 lanes and expanded queuing area
Extensive natural lighting
Updated ticketing and bag claim areas
Three works of art
10 new shops and restaurants
On concourse: Large windows to provide panoramic view of airfield

In addition, the terminal will feature five new restaurants and five new retail shops. While the retail shops have not been finalized, the five restaurants will be:

ACC American Café
La Tapenade Mediterranean Cafe
Starbucks
Char-Grill
Salsaritas Fresh Cantina

The ACC American Café is the first of its kind and is officially licensed from the Atlantic Coast Conference. The restaurant and bar will feature current and vintage ACC sports broadcasts. Raleigh-based Char-Grill will offer its full menu of burgers, shakes and fries, as well as a breakfast menu. This will be the restaurant’s first airport location.

The building will complement Terminal 2 with features including awnings to protect passengers from the elements, silver siding, an abundance of natural lighting and electrical outlets at boarding area seats.

The $68 million construction project began last summer. The terminal will open to the public in March 2014.