Bradley International Airport has received $6 million in federal grants to support two ongoing $243 million projects.
The new funding will go toward construction of a new 80,000-square-foot inline baggage screening facility behind the Sheraton Hotel. The plan also includes adding three gates to the main terminal.
When complete, baggage will be sent from airline ticket counters on a conveyor belt to the new facility, eliminating the need for TSA screening equipment in the lobby.
The cost of the project will be covered by a combination of federal grants, passenger facility charges and airport revenue.
The $181 million baggage facility and terminal expansion project is one of two major renovations occurring at the state’s largest airport.
The other project involves constructing two new corridors on both sides of the main terminal, which will give passengers faster access to the baggage claim area after they deplane.
Currently, passengers access the baggage claim, located on the lower level, through a single exit in the main terminal.
Eventually, the current entryway to the baggage claim will be closed to create more space for the main TSA security checkpoint.
Both projects are about 50% completed.