Chicago Construction News staff writer
Construction is moving ahead on a new $18.3 million air traffic control tower at Gary/Chicago International Airport following a groundbreaking ceremony last week.
The new tower will replace the airport’s existing air traffic control tower, which has been in operation since 1972. The project is expected to be completed by late 2027.
The project is fully funded through federal grants. The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded the airport an additional $8.3 million through its Airport Improvement Program, following a $10 million Federal Aviation Administration grant announced in May.
The airport previously received a $1.7 million FAA grant in December 2024 for design and engineering of the replacement tower.
The new facility will stand approximately 50 feet taller than the existing tower and will include updated air traffic control technology intended to improve visibility, communications, operational efficiency and safety.
The project is also expected to support approximately 120 skilled trade workers and generate about 24,000 construction hours.
Airport officials say the new tower will provide additional capacity for aircraft operations and support the airport’s growing cargo activity.
“This $8.3 million grant represents the successful completion of a process that began several years ago to ensure GCIA has the most modern infrastructure possible to support future aviation growth,” said Gary/Chicago International Airport Executive Director Dan Vicari.
“Over the past decade, GCIA has made significant investments to modernize our infrastructure, and replacing our current tower has remained a key priority to ensure we are equipped to meet the demands of modern aviation.”
The tower project is part of a broader modernization program at the airport that has included expansion of the main runway, establishment of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility, growth in air cargo operations and completion of a 55-acre Air Cargo Campus.
Mrvan said the airport’s infrastructure improvements could help attract additional economic activity to Gary and Northwest Indiana.
“I appreciate the consistent long-term planning and initiatives of the airport to enhance its infrastructure and services, which will continue to attract new economic activity to the City of Gary and our region,” Mrvan said.
The replacement tower has been in planning since 2022. FAA approval of the required siting study was received in September 2024.
The latest funding completes a multi-year process to plan, design and finance the replacement facility.
