$1.1B Southwest Florida airport expansion breaks ground

Suffolk broke floor on Southwest Florida Worldwide Airport’s $1.1 billion Terminal E project on March 12, in accordance with a information launch from the Boston-based contractor. It’s the most expensive municipal construction project in Lee County historical past, Wink Information reported.

The venture is the second section of a significant enlargement underway at RSW that goals to arrange it for anticipated development in passenger site visitors over the following decade. RSW skilled a record-setting yr in 2024, serving greater than 11 million passengers, in accordance with the discharge. The second venture section will permit it to accommodate 10,000 to fifteen,000 extra passengers every day.

Lee County Port Authority is heading the trouble, which will create a new concourse with 14 preliminary gates and capability to assist 19 gates sooner or later, in addition to a concessions space, in accordance with the venture webpage. It’ll additionally increase the present foremost terminal on all three ranges to incorporate a brand new ticketing foyer and baggage declare space with a brand new baggage dealing with system.

The venture additionally entails:

• Chiller substitute and enlargement. 
• Airside enhancements to taxiways and apron. 
• Landside roadway and terminal curb modifications. 
• New Transportation Safety Administration checkpoint.
• Hydrant fueling system.

The venture consists of major rework of taxiways surrounding the brand new concourse, in accordance with Suffolk, and new roadways and pedestrian bridges will improve the passenger expertise for arrivals and departures.

Financing for the overhaul got here from the Lee County Port Authority in addition to Florida DOT and Federal Aviation Administration grants, in accordance with the airport. Montreal-based SNC-Lavalin, now referred to as AtkinsRéalis, is constructing the phase 1 $331 million terminal expansion, which has encountered delays because of design-related points and challenges with the development supervisor and agency, in accordance with Wink Information.

As a part of section 2, crews are currently installing piles in addition to finding and eradicating current utilities, in accordance with a March progress report. Underground mechanical, electrical and plumbing work within the terminal space and the brand new concourse can be underway.

Pete Tuffo, president of Florida Gulf Coast and Nationwide Gaming for Suffolk, touted the agency’s collaborative method to planning and preconstruction.

“Suffolk’s capability to efficiently navigate advanced initiatives and timelines with out inflicting disruption to an airport’s ongoing operations is a testomony to our meticulous planning and execution abilities,” Tuffo stated. “Our distinctive method helps to make sure airports stay absolutely practical and environment friendly all through your complete building course of.”

Development is scheduled to be full in 2027, in accordance with the airport.