Officials from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) this week unveiled the final pieces of an eight-year, $1.5 billion development project and then promptly released details on a new, 10-year, $2.5 billion capital investment program aimed at enhancing capacity.
CLT 2015 closed with the dedication of the airport’s new hourly parking deck and a consolidated rental car facility. That program included the construction of a third parallel runway and the Norfolk Southern Intermodal Facility and the realignment of Josh Birmingham Parkway.
It also encompassed construction of a second business valet parking deck, installation of a new inline baggage system and Terminal Westside Expansion, work deemed necessary as part of an effort to accommodate more than 44 million passengers annually.
“This is an exciting day for the city of Charlotte, the airport, our partners and customers,” says Brent Cagle, interim aviation director. “CLT 2015 has truly changed the landscape of CLT and has positioned Charlotte to remain a premier airport.”
At the Monday event, airport officials provided details on Destination CLT, a new development program that will encompass the first phase of CLT’s recently completed master plan update.
Under the new series of projects, the terminal curb front roadway and lobby will expand, existing concourses will receive updates to finishes, such as lighting, ceilings, walls and flooring; gate capacity will increase on multiple concourses to a total of 124 from the current 95; and a fourth parallel runway will be constructed.
“Destination CLT continues to reflect the airport’s mission, that development and construction will be demand-driven,” says Jack Christine, deputy aviation director. “We will build what we need, when we need it.”
Planning on several Destination CLT projects is underway. Among the specifics provided in airport documents:
- The $247 million terminal lobby expansion will push the building out to the north to create additional space for security lanes, ticketing and baggage-claim areas, as well as improved circulation.
- The first phase of Concourse A expansion, set at $140 million, will add nine gates north of the concourse to accommodate expanding air service and replace several existing gates.
- The second phase of Concourse A expansion is $170 million and will expand the facility by an additional 16 gates to the north.
- The $438 million Concourse C expansion will add 10 to 12 gates.
- The $438 million Concourse B expansion will add eight to 10 gates.
- CLT will add a $422 million, 12,000-foot parallel runway.
- The airport will spent $40 million on roadway and terminal curb enhancements aimed to meet increased traffic.
- A new air traffic control tower will be funded and constructed by the Federal Aviation Administration.
