New baggage system at Pittsburgh International

Construction of a new explosive-detection system is underway at Pittsburgh International Airport that would screen luggage for US Airways' passengers.

The $18 million project will install a new Explosive Detection Systems, or EDS, into the airport's automated baggage matrix that is used by US Airways. It is scheduled to be running by November 2008.

TSA screeners will staff the system that will be housed in a new 21,000 square foot building near the Airside Terminal.

When completed, airline ticket agents will tag luggage and put it on a belt behind the counter. Passengers then may walk to the security checkpoint. Now, passengers must walk their luggage to a separate screening location.

A similar system was built in 2005 for other airlines. A federal grant will pay up to $4 million of the project. The authority will pay the rest.