Sept. 30, 2022 - The Airport’s upper-level roadway is closed temporarily through 4 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12 to install the first eight trusses for the roadway canopy system. Currently, all traffic is being directed to the lower level (Arrivals/Baggage Claim). Passengers and Airport workers should allow extra time for drop off and pick up and be prepared for busy roadways. Safety fencing and signs are in place to direct passengers. The Airport also has additional employees on the curbside to assist customers.
The start of the 146,000-square foot canopy installation is a milestone in Terminal Lobby Expansion (TLE) construction. The two-year project consists of replacing the current blue canopy system with the permanent canopy system over the eight lanes of the Departures/Ticketing roadway.
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“It's going to be an upgraded experience,” said CLT’s Chief Operating Officer Jack Christine. “The new canopy will provide cover for those customers picking up and dropping off on the curb and for the two sky bridges that we’re building as part of the TLE project.”
Other changes underway during this two-week period are:
- All airline curbside ticket counters/check-ins are closed. Passengers need to check-in at the airline ticket counters in the lobby.
- Door 2 and the Center Door on the upper level (Departures/Ticketing) are open for an emergency exit only.
- Door 5 on Departures/Ticketing is open for an emergency exit and access to the Departures/Ticketing smoking area. The smoking area has relocated to the east end of Departures/Ticketing.
- Daily North Lot has been converted into a temporary cell phone lot to help alleviate traffic congestion. The current cell phone lot is closed.
- Express Deck shuttle buses now pick up and drop off on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim level, in the bus lane Zone 2.
- Curbside Valet check-in has relocated to the first level of the Hourly Deck. Roadway signs will direct customers to the new location. A temporary check-in counter is located inside the lower-level tunnel to assist with check-in/checkout operations.
- A Special Assistance Zone is in Zone 2 of the public vehicle lanes and includes seating and special assistance signage.
“We know the next two weeks will be a challenge for us and for our customers, but it is a necessary step,” Christine said. “We have to install these trusses in the safest manner possible, which is prompting the roadway closure. We just ask that everyone please follow the signage and directions of Airport staff who we will have on the curb front and in the lobby to assist passengers.”
Steel installation on the TLE’s east side continues. Completion of the east side is scheduled for the end of 2023. Renovations of the existing Departures/Ticketing and Arrivals/Baggage Claim areas began last month.
The $608 million signature Terminal Lobby Expansion project is transforming the Airport’s entrance with 366,000 square feet of new and renovated space. The entire lobby expansion will wrap up in 2025 with new, modern ticket counters, eight original artworks, charging stations, three large security checkpoints and five pre-security concession spaces.
