Transportation
BY HALEY MCLEOD
ABIA breaks ground on key taxiways as part of expansion This fall, Austin began construction on midfield taxiways at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, a critical step toward the future development of a new concourse. About the project • Enhancements to security fencing • New reclaimed water line and bulk refilling station The project is funded through airport cash reserves, current and future airport revenues, future revenue bond proceeds, and Federal Aviation Administration grants. No local tax dollars are involved, according to ABIA staff. Funding the takeoff
Design work started in fall 2023 with construc- tion beginning roughly a year later. The project is expected to be complete by spring 2027. While construction is underway, there will be no disruption to flight schedules. However, those flying should expect temporary traffic changes on the airport’s south side beginning in 2025, as the airport prepares for the closure of the South Terminal in 2026. The project is part of larger plans for a multiyear and multibillion-dollar expansion program known as Journey with AUS. The why TSA and baggage lines continue to pile up as the number of travelers in the Austin airport has consistently increased in recent years.
To support a new, 20-plus gate concourse, ABIA broke ground on two parallel concrete taxiways. The project will streamline aircraft movement by connecting the runways between the existing Barbara Jordan Terminal and future Concourse B, according to a news release. Other project highlights include: • Two bridges under the taxiways to improve connectivity for airfield support services • Installation of airfield lighting, signage and a new taxi route for low-visibility conditions • Pavement recycling and drainage improvements • Roadway changes and construction of a new parking lot on the south side of the airport
$320M for construction from the city of Austin $200M in federal grant applications in progress $26.7M for design work from the city of Austin $14.25M from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s
Airport Terminal Program $2.8M in federal grants
SOURCE: AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Transportation Security Administration officials said this summer—from May 24 to Sept. 3—was forecasted to be the busiest summer for travel ever seen nationwide.
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