An additional US$130.7 million has been approved in addition to the US$1.4 billion modernization project of the Pittsburgh International Airport. Allegheny County Airport Authority board members approved the additional contracts and amendments recently on the same day that Christina Cassotis, the authority CEO announced that there had been a 95.6% increase in passenger traffic in May compared to the same month last year as travelers return to the skies, mostly for leisure travel. That follows a 1,244% jump in April. The authority has been preparing themselves to resume work on the modernization which would include a new terminal for ticketing, security, and baggage claim for the last couple of months.
Also Read: Pittsburgh International Airport to resume terminal modernization
The authority is hoping to start construction related to the modernization, which also would include a 3,300-space parking garage and new roadways, in the fall. The biggest increase, US$3 million, went to PJ Dick/Hunt, the construction manager for the modernization, to keep the appropriate staff on board through the completion of the terminal and associated work in early 2025. Another US$6.3 million in amendments related to various aspects of the modernization, including design changes, pre-construction services for a multi-modal complex, early site access electrical work, and strategic marketing were approved.
The Pittsburgh airport terminal modernization program, which was first announced in 2017, aims to consolidate airport and airline operations into an approximately 700,000-sq-ft-terminal facility, as well as all passenger and public spaces, such as ticketing, baggage claim, a meet-and-greet area, security checkpoint, and retail and concession spaces. The new infrastructure will include a roadway that serves the terminal as well as a multi-level parking garage and ground transportation center. “It’s good to see things rapidly improving,” board chairman David Minnotte said. “It sounds like a good time to build a new terminal.”
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