PDX revamp nears finish after $2B overhaul
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When the temporary walls come down in a few months and the last of the construction dust is vacuumed out of its signature carpet, Portland International Airport will look and feel a lot different.
Why it matters: The last phase of the yearslong construction might not have the "wow" factor of the main terminal's soaring roof that debuted in 2024, but it might do more to improve the experience of travelers passing through the airport.
State of play: Most of the recent construction has focused on the north and south ends of the main terminal.
- Currently, arriving passengers must take long bypasses that can add up to 10 minutes of walking time to get around the construction.
- Crews have been busy revamping both ends of the terminal to streamline that process with much more direct routes straight from the gate to baggage claim and ground transportation outside.
- The two areas will keep with the general theme of the rest of the airport, with live trees and small touches of the Pacific Northwest sprinkled throughout.
What they're saying: "With the opening of phase two, which is the second 30% of the project, you'll see continuation of the theme of a walk in the forest," said George Seaman, project manager for the entire renovation.
Flashback: When the airport fully reopens this summer, it will be the culmination of a $2 billion makeover that took more than a decade from design to completion.
- The main terminal, completed in 2024, is now a gleaming cathedral to all things northwest — the ceiling made of sustainably harvested Oregon and Washington timber, the living trees and skylights that let in just enough sun.
What to expect: In addition to shorter walks and streamlined exits straight to baggage claim, the new concourses will have more seats and areas for friends and family to await arriving passengers.
- Some businesses that have been confined to kiosks — Powell's Books and Straightaway Cocktails, for example — will spread their wings in full-sized storefronts.
- Several new restaurants and newsstands are expected as well along with 10 new permanent art installations.
The bottom line: After more than half a decade of construction at PDX, we're ready to be done. The end is in sight.
- The bypasses will be gone by next month, with construction to be fully completed by June.