Two extensive construction projects are currently underway at Bradley International Airport (BDL) that will greatly enhance the flow and functionality of the main terminal and allow for additional growth of airline routes. The projects are now more than half complete and in recent months have become more visible to passengers and the community thanks to the significant progress that is taking shape.
“Once complete, these projects will really optimize the way arriving and departing passengers move through Bradley International Airport,” said Kevin A. Dillon, A.A.E., Executive Director of the Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA). “The ongoing construction is also key to the CAA’s long-term strategy to ensure that our terminal meets the demand of our current passenger levels and also positions us for future growth in passenger traffic and nonstop destinations.”
Here are the key features of both construction projects:
Vertical Circulation Project / New Exit Lanes
Currently, deplaned passengers at Bradley International Airport gain access to the baggage claim area by going through a single exit in the airport’s main terminal next to the primary TSA security checkpoint. Two new corridors on both sides of the main terminal are now being constructed and will provide deplaning passengers in both of BDL’s concourses with a faster and more direct route to their airline’s baggage claim in the airport’s lower level. These enhancements will not only provide a more direct walk to baggage claim, but also the parking lot shuttles, ground transportation, and new meet and greet areas. The single exit lane that is currently in use will eventually be closed off, offering more space to expand the TSA security checkpoint for queueing and screening.
Inline Baggage Screening Facility / Terminal Expansion
Now, passengers with checked bags get them tagged at their airline’s ticket counter and then carry the bags themselves to nearby explosive-detection machines. A new, 80,000 square foot inline baggage screening facility is being built behind the Sheraton Hotel, which will house Bradley International Airport’s explosive-detection machines. A behind-the-scenes, mile-long conveyor belt will carry the estimated two million checked bags the airport screens annually from the airline ticket counters directly to the new screening facility. This means passengers will no longer need to carry their checked bags to the explosive-detection machines after airline check-in. The new facility will also create new gate space for flights. This will also result in additional ticket counter space in the terminal lobby for new and existing airlines due to the removal of the explosive-detection machines currently located in that area.
Construction Funding and Project Timeline
The estimated cost for both construction projects is approximately $243 million. The CAA secured a total of $99 million in funding for these projects from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Program, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The additional $144 million for the construction is coming from passenger facility charges and the CAA’s airport revenue. No taxpayer funds are being used to pay for these projects.
Construction began in February 2023 and the anticipated completion date for both construction projects is late 2025. At peak construction times, 200 individuals are on-site working on the projects.
