A $1 billion project for a new concourse and security checkpoints at Reagan National Airport is expected to improve the experience for airport passengers. News4 Transportation Reporter Adam Tuss has the first look at the plans.
A massive $1 billion multi-year renovation project will bring dramatic changes to Reagan National Airport in the coming years.
Two new security checkpoints and a new commuter concourse are part of what the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority has dubbed "Project Journey."
MWAA met on Wednesday and unveiled its plan and what the changes will look like.
The new security screening areas, which will be between the National Airport Metro station and departures and arrivals areas, are expected to be complete by 2020. The checkpoints will be 150,000 square feet.
MWAA said security screenings will shift to the new checkpoints and the existing checkpoints will be removed to connect the concourse level of terminals B and C, creating more space for passengers.
"The thing that drove us to do this was the fact that we've, in the last three years, we've seen a tremendous growth at this airport of over 25 percent of passengers," said Jack Potter, CEO of MWAA.
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But travelers can expect construction to cause traffic delays while getting to and from the airport.
"Significant roadway impacts are expected from late 2017 through 2018 as travel lanes temporarily close to provide space for construction activity and equipment," MWAA said in a news release.
Another major change to be completed in 2021 is a new concourse that will replace the 14 outdoor gates travelers currently have to access by bus.
Renderings of the new concourse show a spacious, light-filled terminal that has seating and concessions.
The concourse will have architectural features that are consistent with the airport's existing terminals, MWAA said.
"All the amenities, all the space and openness that we are going to provide in the new commuter concourse is definitely going to enhance the passenger's experience," said Louis Lee, an architect for MWAA.
The terminal will be a serious upgrade for the 6,000 passengers who currently have to board commuter planes out in the elements.
"We have to make sure that we accommodate people who travel this airport in a very comfortable environment," Potter said.
