Although the airline industry remains in a deep slump, airport commissioners on Monday approved $1.13 billion in construction contracts to revitalize the primary entry and departure point for overseas travelers at Los Angeles International Airport.
In one of the most visible signs that the modernization of LAX is underway, the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners awarded two contracts to the Walsh Austin Joint Venture, which will handle the reconfiguration of the Tom Bradley International Terminal.
By early next year, travelers can expect to see construction on two new concourses and gates to accommodate the next generation of large commercial airliners.
The board also set aside almost $140 million in contingency funds for the project and approved the sale of more than $1.6 billion in revenue bonds to pay for construction and to refinance existing debt.
"This action is a tremendous step forward," said Commissioner Walt Zifkin. "Nothing has really happened since 1984. Hopefully, it won't take this long to do the next modernization project."
Airport officials plan to add 1 million square feet to the Bradley terminal to make room for ticket counters, security checkpoints and passenger lounges as well as expanded customs and immigration facilities. Restaurants and retail stores will occupy a grand central hall.
The so-called Bradley West project also calls for nine new gates that will handle the latest in large commercial airliners, such the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the giant Airbus A380, which can be configured to carry more than 800 passengers.
Two of the gates are scheduled to open in early 2012. The overall project is expected to be completed by mid-2013. Airport officials estimate that the project will employ about 4,000 construction workers.
Except for the current remodeling of the Bradley interior, the terminals have not had any major improvements since the 1984 Summer Olympics. Over the years, the aging airport has often received poor to average marks by passengers and airlines.
"The Bradley is the centerpiece of the current modernization program," said Gina Marie Lindsey, executive director of Los Angeles World Airports, the operator of LAX. "The project will change how the airport looks to passengers and how international passengers arrive and depart. We are completely redoing the front door."
