The construction crews at Atlanta International Airport completed the first phase of the Concourse D Widening Project by September 5th, the target date.
Accelerated effort
Operators and passengers are often used to airport construction projects taking longer than expected. However, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), touted as the world’s busiest and most efficient airport, has broken the mold.
Photo: juanpabloms | Shutterstock
According to Airways, the airport has completed Phase One of the Concourse D Widening Project by its target date of September 5th. Work began three months ago with the construction of 21,000 square feet of additional space in Concourse D. The extra space now allows the concourse to host newer Aircraft Design Group (ADG) III models, including the Airbus A321neo and Boeing 737 MAX variants.
Three of the six gates were handed over to Delta Air Lines in the morning, allowing flights to depart from the gates later in the day. The remaining three will be handed over today, September 6th.
Frank Rucker, the Senior Deputy General Manager of Infrastructure at ATL, had this to say about the project:
“The Concourse D Widening Project is one of the most important projects to date. We thank our partners for their commitment in helping us reach this target.”
Construction was carried out behind barriers to ensure that operations at the world’s busiest airport would not be disrupted. Tom Nissalke, Assistant General Manager of Planning and Development of ATL, praised all those involved in the project, saying:
“Everyone involved carried out their responsibilities to make this a success. They all delivered as one team, and now that this phase is complete, we’re moving on to phase two.”
Getting the work done by the target date required a monumental effort from airport personnel and contractors. In the coming months, there will be much more work done at the airport.
About ATL Concourse D Project
Concourse D is 44 years old and is the airport’s smallest concourse. The airport is taking a novel approach to its expansion. Modular structures are being built a mile away at the Modular Yard and are transported into place. It is the first project of its kind at the airport.
Photo: Darryl Brooks | Shutterstock
The Concourse is being widened from 60 ft to 90 ft. Fifteen structures are being built to do this. These will be wheeled into place and then fitted to the existing structure. The project is expected to be completed in 2029.
Here are some facts about Phase One of the Concourse D Widening Phase 1:
- Roughly 200 people worked on-site on Phase One.
- Each of the new gates can handle up to 190 passengers per flight.
- Final touches, including the ceiling, will be installed in future phases.
- Phase Two is currently underway, with the next five modules being constructed at the Modular Yard. These modules will be transported to Concourse D in January next year.
- Work at Concourse D for Phase Two will begin today, with seven ADG II gates closed. The closure will allow crews to begin work.
- Phase Two is expected to be completed by the end of next year.