Airport’s Green Build Summer 2013 grand opening on schedule and on budget

Construction on The Green Build Terminal 2 expansion continues to move forward on time and on budget, looking toward a grand opening this summer. To date, nearly 6,000 workers have had a role in The Green Build, the largest construction project in the airport’s history. At peak construction, there were 1,000 construction workers on site on any given day. In addition, more than $350 million in contracts have been awarded to local businesses.

Travelers arriving at Terminal 2 will notice that the dual-level roadway has taken shape, and crews have begun installation of a white canopy over the check-in curb. This is one of the signature architectural features of the terminal enhancement; installation of the canopy will continue over the next several months.

Inside the terminal, construction crews have been busy working on flooring and wall and ceiling finishes, installing elevators and escalators and building out new restrooms. In addition, a new baggage handling system has been installed and testing has begun, with operation to be phased in over the coming months.

With the grand opening just eight months away, 2013 will be a year of significant construction milestones, as different portions of the expansion are opened to the public in a phased approach. The following milestones are scheduled this spring:

• New, expanded security checkpoint to open in Terminal 2; existing Terminal 2 security checkpoint to close
• 600 additional spaces to open in Terminal 2 parking lot, providing more close-in, short-term parking
• 6 new gates to open in Terminal 2; 5 existing north concourse gates to temporarily close for upgrades
• New ticket lobby to open; existing Terminal 2 ticket lobby to remain open during upgrades

“The Green Build has created significant economic benefits for the region over the course of construction,” said Thella F. Bowens, President/CEO of San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. “Not only has it created work for local, small and disadvantaged businesses and local workers, but it will ensure that the airport can continue to support the region’s vital industries, including tourism, technology and life sciences.”

Once complete, The Green Build will provide 10 new gates, a dual-level roadway to separate arriving and departing passengers, additional security lanes and more shopping and dining options. The Airport Authority is targeting Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for the project. For more information on The Green Build, visit http://media.porternovelli.com/thegreenbuild/.