Chicago Construction News staff writer
Officials held a groundbreaking ceremony to launch construction on the $300 million ElevateT3 project at O’Hare International Airport to upgrade the ageing terminal facilities.
Construction will be performed by COT3 as Construction Manager At-Risk (CMAR), a joint venture of Clark Construction and W.E. O’Neil, Upcoming bid opportunities can be found at www.ord21.com/bids.
“Today marks a significant step forward in redefining the travel experience at O’Hare International Airport through the ElevateT3 project,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “This transformative initiative not only boosts our infrastructure but also strengthens Chicago’s position as a global aviation leader, thanks to substantial support from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”
ElevateT3 is a pillar of O’Hare 21, Chicago’s plan to transform the airport into “an efficient and accessible international gateway for the 21st Century.”
Construction work now underway will upgrade customer amenities, improve security screening and airport operations, and expand accessibility for passengers with disabilities at Terminal 3, and includes the following:
- reconfiguration of two Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints into a single screening area, providing space for modern and more efficient equipment
- expanded passenger corridor between Concourse K and Concourse L, tripling the current corridor’s width.
- expansion of the holdroom space at Gates K1 and L2A, dramatically improving the passenger experience
- reconfigured baggage claim area and other upgrades to the terminal’s baggage facilities and systems that provide sortation for departing passenger baggage
- development of approximately 10,000 square feet of new concessions and amenity spaces
- renovated restrooms and a new family restroom
“ElevateT3 is an investment in Chicago’s communities, and under Mayor Johnson’s leadership, we intend to work with our partners in the construction community to transform developments like this into opportunities to build capacity and ultimately generational wealth among small, diverse business owners across Chicago’s 77 community areas,” said CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee.
