Funding approved toward construction of $2 billion John Glenn airport terminal

See an earlier report on the airport terminal plans in the video player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A replacement terminal that is expected to be built at John Glenn International Airport before the end of the decade has taken another step toward reality.

The board of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority voted last week to approve $250 million in funding for the project, which was unveiled in August and is expected to cost $2 billion in total. Ground is expected to be broken in early 2025 and the new terminal open by early 2029.

Renderings call for a 36-gate terminal to be constructed where the cellphone lot and Blue Lot for long-term parking currently sit. In addition, a parking garage would be built on the site of the McDonald’s at 4250 International Gateway, bringing both closer to the rental car center that opened in 2021.

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission has projected a 15-county area served by the airport region is on track for a population of around 3.15 million by 2050, adding hundreds of thousands of residents in the next decade. This new terminal could accommodate that level of growth, airport officials say.

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The resolution authorizing the construction contract is with Hensel Phelps Construction, which is partnering with Elford for the project. Contracts to engage an architect/engineer and other professional services for the project were approved by the board in 2022, with design services beginning in May 2022. Providing design services are Gensler and Moody Nolan, a Columbus-based firm.

The board also approved a 2023 Capital Improvement Plan, a plan that includes completion of partial schematic design development and engagement of a construction manager at risk to support completion of 60% of design development.

The current terminal opened in September 1958 and has been added onto many times in the years since. Officials believe it is nearing the end of its useful lifespan.

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