Guests sign final steel beam for new terminal project at Pittsburgh International Airport
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - This morning, we've got a major update on the billion-dollar modernization project underway at Pittsburgh International Airport.
The project is nearly halfway finished and on track for its scheduled opening in two years.
A topping-out ceremony was held at the airport to mark the milestone in the construction. Airport leaders along with local politicians and other dignitaries signed the final beam for the building's roof that will be set in place this summer.
Most of the steel exterior on the new landside terminal is complete and inside work can soon begin.
"It was less than two years ago when we officially broke ground on this new terminal and now we are approaching the halfway point of construction," said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald.
"It has been exciting for me to see the cool innovation and technology that's being incorporated in these buildings within in the airport, it's something that really will put Pittsburgh on the map," said. Rep. Valerie Gaydos. "What's cool about that - it's being built by Pittsburghers for Pittsburghers."
That final steel beam was fabricated locally in Ambridge and local companies are producing some 90-percent of the materials and services for the project.
The new "landside" building is scheduled to open early in 2025 after the holiday travel season.
All who gathered yesterday seemed excited by all the new possibilities the terminal will bring for the city and the region.
Most of the steel exterior structure is done and interior work is expected to start in the fall. Crews have been diligently working for some time now to make the dream come to life.
The $1.4 billion modernization is on budget and on schedule.
The airport leaders estimate the new terminal will generate 14,00 direct and indirect jobs, contributing an estimated $2.5 billion to the local economy.