phoenix's sky harbor airport set to launch facility upgrades

One terminal will be demolished and another upgraded as part of an overall strategic plan just approved for the growing Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix.

The 90 year-old airport, located at 3400 E. Sky Harbor Boulevard, is the largest airport in Arizona serving around 45 million passengers annually.

But in anticipation of future growth that could well see more than 70 million passengers using the airport by the year 2039, airport officials are taking a comprehensive view of Sky Harbor’s coming facility needs.

That mean that the airport will see an upgrading of roads on its property in order to both enhance security and better facilitate vehicular traffic.

In a press release issued by the airport, it was noted that “Sky Harbor’s central location, increased vehicle traffic, and security requirements have resulted in a need to make adjustments to its roadway system. As part of Sky Harbor’s pathway to the future, the Airport is also examining ways to improve Sky Harbor Boulevard.”

The strategic plan, now signed off on by members of the Phoenix City Council, also includes relocating the airport’s south end cargo facilities to the north side of the Sky Harbor site.

Moving those cargo facilities, in turn, will allow for the Air National Guard 161st Refueling Wing to expand the refueling operations it currently has at the airport.

The airport’s Terminal 2, built in 1962, is slated for demolition sometime in 2020, while Terminal 3 will be updated and modernized with a new concourse connected to Terminal 4.

Also, a portion of Terminal 4 is expected to be renovated.

The sweeping strategic plan is now on its way to the Federal Aviation Administration for review.

Altogether, it is expected that the various facility upgrades and construction will cost around $5.7 billion, money that will come through a combination of bonds, grants, and user fees.

By Garry Boulard

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