$1.1B Southwest Florida airport expansion breaks ground

Suffolk broke floor on Southwest Florida Worldwide Airport’s $1.1 billion Terminal E project on March 12, in keeping with a information launch from the Boston-based contractor. It’s the most expensive municipal construction project in Lee County historical past, Wink Information reported.

The undertaking is the second part of a significant enlargement underway at RSW that goals to arrange it for anticipated progress in passenger visitors over the following decade. RSW skilled a record-setting 12 months in 2024, serving greater than 11 million passengers, in keeping with the discharge. The second undertaking part will permit it to accommodate 10,000 to fifteen,000 extra passengers every day.

Lee County Port Authority is heading the trouble, which will create a new concourse with 14 preliminary gates and capability to assist 19 gates sooner or later, in addition to a concessions space, in keeping with the undertaking webpage. It is going to additionally broaden the present essential terminal on all three ranges to incorporate a brand new ticketing foyer and baggage declare space with a brand new baggage dealing with system.

The undertaking additionally entails:

• Chiller alternative and enlargement. 
• Airside enhancements to taxiways and apron. 
• Landside roadway and terminal curb modifications. 
• New Transportation Safety Administration checkpoint.
• Hydrant fueling system.

The undertaking contains major rework of taxiways surrounding the brand new concourse, in keeping with Suffolk, and new roadways and pedestrian bridges will improve the passenger expertise for arrivals and departures.

Financing for the overhaul got here from the Lee County Port Authority in addition to Florida DOT and Federal Aviation Administration grants, in keeping with the airport. Montreal-based SNC-Lavalin, now generally known as AtkinsRéalis, is constructing the phase 1 $331 million terminal expansion, which has encountered delays as a result of design-related points and challenges with the development supervisor and agency, in keeping with Wink Information.

As a part of part 2, crews are currently installing piles in addition to finding and eradicating current utilities, in keeping with a March progress report. Underground mechanical, electrical and plumbing work within the terminal space and the brand new concourse can also be underway.

Pete Tuffo, president of Florida Gulf Coast and Nationwide Gaming for Suffolk, touted the agency’s collaborative method to planning and preconstruction.

“Suffolk’s capability to efficiently navigate advanced initiatives and timelines with out inflicting disruption to an airport’s ongoing operations is a testomony to our meticulous planning and execution expertise,” Tuffo mentioned. “Our distinctive method helps to make sure airports stay totally purposeful and environment friendly all through all the development course of.”

Building is scheduled to be full in 2027, in keeping with the airport.