Atlanta International Airport begins $6bn improvement programme

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has commenced work on a US$6 billion package of improvements under a 20-year blueprint for growth.

Under the ATLNext improvement plan, ATL will modernise its terminal, expand its cargo operations and concourses, replace its parking facilities and pave the way for a new hotel and mixed-use development project.

Atlanta International Airport improvement plan will update terminal and expand cargo operations

One of the first projects in the plan is a six-week effort that will modernise the West Crossover, the escalator corridor linking the Airport’s Plane Train with the baggage claim areas.

In addition, the airport will retire the 70-foot “Spirit of Atlanta” mural of children playing at Centennial Olympic Park. A video screen providing important information to all passengers making their way up the escalator will replace the mural, which will be preserved in digital form.

“The ATLNext modernisation project will prepare our Airport for the future,” interim Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council Jr. commented. “We’ll honour our past by ensuring the Spirit of Atlanta remains, in some form, to welcome our guests for years to come,” he added.

The construction will require rerouting passengers, sometimes intermittently. Temporary wayfinding signage, along with guest service representatives, will be stationed at key locations to direct passengers. Airport personnel also will reverse two escalators to accommodate passengers during this period.