Chicago Construction News staff writer
Vertical construction has begun on The New Concourse D at O’Hare International Airport, a 19-gate expansion that marks a major phase in the airport’s long-term modernization program.
The City of Chicago and construction partner AECOM Hunt Clayco Bowa are delivering the 580,000-square-foot concourse, part of the ORDNext capital program. The project, valued at $1.45 billion, is scheduled for completion in late 2028.
“We joined Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) – O’Hare & Midway International Airports to celebrate a major milestone for The new Concourse D for #ORDNext, consortium representatives said in a social media statement. “With underground work officially wrapped up, the ceremony marked the transition to vertical construction.
“Moving full steam ahead into the spring.”
Construction began with a groundbreaking in August 2025. About 35 per cent of foundational work has been completed, including more than 90 per cent of deep foundation caissons—reinforced concrete shafts drilled deep underground to support the structure.
In the coming weeks, crews are expected to install a 195-foot tower crane at the centre of the airfield, marking the transition to above-ground construction of the 73-foot-tall facility.
“A landmark moment for our JV team at O’Hare as we joined Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) – O’Hare & Midway International Airports to celebrate a major milestone for the new Concourse D under ORD Next,” said Bob Clark, Executive Chairman & Founder at Clayco. “With underground work complete, we are officially moving into vertical construction and carrying that momentum straight into the spring.”The New Concourse D is the first phase of the broader ORDNext program, which also includes a future Concourse E and a planned Global Terminal that would replace Terminal 2.
Beginning in spring 2026, work is expected to expand to include a central cooling facility for future ORDNext developments, along with airfield paving and utility infrastructure upgrades.
The concourse will include 19 gates for narrow-body aircraft, with the ability to convert up to nine wide-body gates. Plans also include more than 20,000 square feet of lounge space, 30,000 square feet of retail and dining space, and a children’s play area.
The Chicago Department of Aviation reported that more than $830 million has been spent to date with certified minority- and women-owned businesses on its current capital program, representing a 36.2 per cent participation rate.
