Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti on Monday broke ground on a $1.6 billion terminal at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the latest phase in a $14 billion airport modernization project that forms part of LA 2024’s promise of fast, convenient transport for international Games visitors.
Mayor Garcetti joined Councilmembers Mike Bonin, Bob Blumenfield and Joe Buscaino along with Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) leaders to unveil plans for the terminal. The 750,000-square-foot Midfield Satellite Concourse bolsters LA 2024’s commitment to a smooth travel experience for athletes, fans and all other Olympic and Paralympic stakeholders in 2024. Set for completion in 2019, the new terminal will improve LAX by adding 12 new gates, a new baggage system, and additional dining and shopping amenities for travelers. The terminal is just one piece of a $14 billion modernization plan that includes upgrades to nearly every terminal in the airport, plus a new rail line that will connect airport passengers directly to LA’s public transportation system and reduce the volume of cars in the terminal area and surrounding freeways.
The new terminal comes on the heels of Los Angeles County voters’ approval of a ballot measure last November, which will provide $120 billion for new rail lines, bus services and highway improvements regardless of whether the City of Angels is awarded the honor of hosting the 2024 Games.
Mayor of Los Angeles Eric Garcetti said: "LAX means so much to LA’s economy — it’s an incredible job-creator that employs more than 50,000. A record 47.3 million tourists visited our city last year — that's why we’re investing billions to make it one of the premier airports in the world. The Midfield Satellite Concourse is a transformational project that will put thousands of people to work and help extend LA’s worldwide reach even further."
LA 2024 Chairman Casey Wasserman said: "The LAX modernization plan being spearheaded by Mayor Garcetti and the City Council will take place with or without the Games, but it will undoubtedly enhance LA 2024’s ability to offer an outstanding end-to-end Games-time experience for every visitor. LA 2024 requires no new transport infrastructure to host the Games, but we have worked to capitalize wherever possible on these ambitious, impactful, sustainable projects that are revolutionizing mass transit and improving the lives of Angelenos today.
"LAX’s modernization plan is further evidence that LA 2024’s low-risk, sustainable vision for the Games fits perfectly with the city's ongoing transformation and investment in its future."
The new terminal will be located in the airfield just west of Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT), and will connect passengers to it directly through a 1,000-foot underground tunnel. The new terminal’s sustainable design is perfectly aligned with LA 2024’s green Games commitment.
Los Angeles World Airports Chief Executive Officer Deborah Flint said: "Our passengers will soon experience LAX in a new and exciting way. With our vision of delivering gold-standard airports, the Midfield Satellite Concourse will be built with sustainability principles and architectural features that reflect Los Angeles with great views and natural daylight. We will provide our guests a new concourse ready for the technology enhancements of tomorrow."
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