Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport reported Thursday that its board approved the first major expenditure tied to a $1.5 billion-plus terminal development program that will renovate Terminals A, B, C and E at the airport.
The terminals, which opened with the airport in 1974, are slated to be part of a project that D/FW considers an important mechanism in keeping the airport top-tier in terms of service and technology.
The board approved a $20.75 million package for preliminary design work on the terminals’ renovation. URS Corp will handle the design.
The entire project is expected to cost between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, with D/FW expecting to pay for the renovations through bond sales, available capital and other sources.
The project will include makeovers of passenger areas and the replacement of electrical, plumbing and heating and cooling systems, as well as telecommunications upgrades.
“While they have served us very well, our four original terminals are 35 years old now, and their internal systems need replacement,” said Jeff Fegan, CEO for the airport. “The renovation of these terminals is critical for the airport's long-term outlook, because this project will keep D/FW highly attractive to customers and cost-effective for airlines well into the 21st century.”
Construction is expected to begin as early as 2011 right after Super Bowl XLV, which will take place in Arlington. Terminal A will be completed in 2014, D/FW said, with the entire project slated for a 2017 end date.