Lindbergh Field Expansion Nears Halfway Point

March 20, 2012
$1 billion projecty will add 10 new gates, allow for 50 more flights per day and help relieve crowding at the airport's Terminal 1

The massive construction project to expand Terminal 2 at Lindbergh Field is nearing the halfway point.

The $1 billion effort will add 10 new gates and allow for 50 more flights per day. Additionally, it will help relieve crowding at the airport's Terminal 1.

"We're actually going to be able to move several airlines to the expanded terminal and when we do that, [it] will give Southwest Airlines in Terminal 1 some breathing room," said Katie Jones of the San Diego County Airport Authority.

Aside from the additional gate, the project will also provide a dual entry into the airport for departures and arrivals, much like John Wayne Airport in Orange County.

The airport is also beginning work on the north side of the airfield in an effort to consolidate the rental car traffic and the delivery trucks that service the airport.

"Thirty percent of the traffic on Harbor Drive is generated by rental car traffic. By relocating them to the north side of the field, we'll reduce the impact to Harbor Drive, and we expect that 50 to 75 trucks a day will be off Harbor Drive with the relocation of the delivery and distribution area," Jones said.

User fees, Federal Aviation Administration grants and construction bonds are funding the project, 10News learned.

The expansion of Terminal 2 is expected to be complete sometime next year.

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