DFW Airport Construction Project Underway
NORTH TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) - There's yet another construction project underway in North Texas, this time at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
The north end of Terminal A at DFW Airport is now closed. It's the first step in a 7-year renovation of the original four terminals.
Airport CEO Jeff Fagan says the terminals are aging and maintenance costs are rising. "We certainly have experienced problems with heating and cooling over the years," he explained. "Certainly during the Super Bowl week we had a particular challenge with some frozen pipes and some heating activity."
Some look at the renovation as competition with the remodeling of Dallas Love Field Airport. "There is some desire on the part from the airline that occupies this space to have it finished in time to compete head-to-head with the airline at the other airport, with the new terminal opening about the same time," Fagan admitted.
When DFW Airport first opened it was the latest design and technology. "You look at the floor, for example, – we have tile," said Fagan. "We would never put tile down today, but back when this was put down that was before rolling luggage was invented."
The construction project will cost nearly $2 Billion. Interestingly, when DFW Airport opened in 1974 the price tag was less than a half billion dollars.
Fagan says the cost is worth it. "When we're all finished though we will have brand new facilities. We'll be ready to continue to create economic impacts for North Texas for 50 years."
During construction parking may be a challenge, as some garages are closed. When the project is complete DFW Airport expects to open 1,500 new spaces at the north express parking.
The project will wrap up with the rebuilt terminals and will eventually connect the Dallas Area Rapid transit (DART) Rail and the Trinity Railway Express to the airport.
