RDU's $2.5B construction projects aim to handle sweeping growth
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A rendering of an expanded Terminal 2 at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Rendering: Courtesy of RDU Airport
Passengers should brace for lots of dust and other disruptions as Raleigh-Durham International Airport forges ahead on four major construction projects.
Why it matters: These large-scale projects will double the capacity of RDU over the next decade. Airport officials see the investments, though they may be disruptive, as necessary to handle the anticipated passenger growth.
Driving the news: RDU officials took journalists on a tour of the airport's major projects on Thursday, including construction underway on a new runway and an expansion of economy three parking lot, plus work on expanding Terminal 2 and John Brantley Boulevard.
Zoom in: Over the next decade, these projects will represent an investment of at least $2.5 billion and double the capacity of the airport from 15.5 million travelers to 30 million per year.
What they're saying: It's an ambitious set of projects, especially as the airport tries to keep disruption for customers to a minimum.
- "Imagine that you want to rebuild your kitchen while you're cooking dinner. That's really what it's like," Bill Sandifer, RDU's chief development officer, said. "It's trying to make sure that we can expand without impacting the customer, and I think we've done it pretty effectively so far."
Yes, but: Most of the projects at RDU have so far taken place behind the scenes, and now many of them will become more visible to daily travelers.
A new runway
RDU has already begun work on a new runway at Terminal 2, which is expected to be done in 2029.
Why it matters: Not only does the runway replace the existing one — which is nearing the end of its life — but the new, longer runway will also allow for planes to carry more passengers and cargo when it opens in 2029.
Zoom in: In addition to moving dirt, the airport is having to re-route utility and sewer lines, design new water runoff systems and will have to move Lumley Road to make room for the runway.
- Once the new runway opens, the existing one will be demolished in phases and turned into a taxiway.
Terminal 2 expansion
With a growing number of customers and flights, an expanded Terminal 2 has become necessary.
- And already construction has begun on the outside of the terminal, but starting in December, customers will begin seeing construction on the inside, as workers begin taking down a north-facing glass wall and raising temporary walls.
Zoom in: The project will create more space for additional ticketing areas and security checkpoints, and expand the arrival areas for international flights and baggage claim.
- The plan is to expand the north side of the terminal first, and then expand the south side after that. This will lead to changes in how security lines wrap around the terminal on busy travel days.
- When finished in 2032, the look of Terminal 2 is expected to stay the same, but it will be much longer.
John Brantley Boulevard changes
Perhaps the most complicated of RDU's projects is a retooling of John Brantley Boulevard, the horseshoe-shaped road that winds between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
- "It's probably the most important piece of roadway infrastructure we have, because that's how 100% of our customers who are traveling by air get to and from the terminals," Sandifer said.
Zoom in: The goal is to widen and extend the boulevard and remove intersections that lead to congestion for those trying to arrive and depart at the airport.
- The investment will also add a new bridge to eliminate an intersection at International Drive and extend the curbside for pickup at Terminal 2.
It will necessitate a new departure bridge outside the top level of Terminal 2, which will cause that area to be closed for drop-offs for at least two years.
- This is likely to be the biggest disruption that travelers will notice. All the traffic that drops off at the upper level will have to be rerouted to a temporary location. That location, however, has not yet been decided.
- Construction could start next year and be completed by 2030.
Economy 3 parking growth
The first of the four projects that will be completed at RDU will be the expansion of its Economy Lot 3. The final phases are expected to open next year.
Zoom in: The expanded lot will take Economy Lot 3 from around 3,800 spaces to nearly 11,000 spaces and add a new "customer amenity building," which will feature restrooms, a convenience store and a waiting area.
- Additionally, RDU is building a canopy over the walkways of the parking lot that will feature solar panels that can generate around 60% of the parking lot's energy needs.
Between the lines: Given the massive amounts of impervious surface the parking lots are adding, the airport is also piloting a new water runoff system in partnership with N.C. State.
- The new "submerged gravel wetlands" will absorb water runoff and filter it through plants and sand before it enters the nearby stream systems.
- Sandifer said he hopes the new runoff areas, which cost more to maintain than traditional retention ponds, will be effective and serve as a model for other developments in the state.