O'Hare International Airport is getting a big upgrade to Terminal 5, thanks to an extra $20 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Airport Terminal Program. This brings the total funding to $110 million over three years, all part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to improve airport facilities. The renovations will make traveling easier for passengers, modernize the terminal, and keep O'Hare competitive as a major travel hub.
Upcoming Improvements to Terminal 5
The new grant will help fund major upgrades to the non-secure side of Terminal 5. These upgrades will make the travel experience smoother, especially for international passengers. Here are some of the planned improvements:
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Pedestrian Bridge to Parking Garage: A new bridge will link Terminal 5 to the parking garage, making it easier for travelers to get to and from their cars.
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Enclosed Airport Transit System Platform: The Airport Transit System (ATS) platform will be enclosed to improve comfort and efficiency.
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Better Check-in Areas: The arrivals and departures levels will be improved to make check-in faster and passenger movement more efficient.
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Upgraded Security Checkpoint: The security checkpoint on the departures level will be upgraded and redesigned to make the process smoother.
“Terminal 5 is Chicago’s gateway to the world, welcoming millions of passengers. This funding allows us to build on the recent expansion of Terminal 5, enhancing the traveler experience further.”
Commissioner of the Chicago Dept. of Aviation | Jamie L. Rhee
Terminal 5's Ongoing Transformation
These new upgrades are part of a larger plan that started with a $1.3 billion investment in Terminal 5. This included renovations of ten gates for Delta Air Lines in 2022 and a new ten-gate eastern extension in 2023. These improvements were made possible through the 2018 Airline Use and Lease Agreement.
Block Club Chicago reports that along with the new bridge and security upgrades, Terminal 5 has added more retail and food options, including Metropolis Coffee and Chick-fil-A, making the terminal more attractive for travelers. These updates ensure Terminal 5 remains a modern hub for international travel.
Federal Support for Infrastructure
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Airport Terminal Program under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has awarded $110 million to O'Hare International Airport over three years. $90 million was previously allocated to support the $300 million ElevateT3 project, which focuses on upgrading security, improving operations, and expanding accessibility for passengers with disabilities.
Improving O'Hare's Competitive Edge
Terminal 5 at O'Hare serves nearly 40 different airlines, including Air France, American Airlines, British Airways, and Air India. With these renovations, O'Hare will continue to be a major global travel hub. The upgrades will make Terminal 5 more comfortable and efficient, reducing wait times at security and improving overall passenger flow.
Impact on Commercial Construction
For those in the commercial construction field, the ongoing changes at O'Hare Terminal 5 show the evolving needs of large infrastructure projects. The work at Terminal 5 uses modern construction techniques to achieve goals like better sustainability, more accessibility, and higher efficiency.
The project is also a good example of how federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law can support significant improvements. These investments help keep major airports like O'Hare competitive in the global travel market.
The additional $20 million grant for O'Hare International Airport's Terminal 5 renovation is a big step forward for one of the busiest airports in the world. These upgrades, including a new pedestrian bridge, better check-in areas, and an improved security checkpoint, will make travel easier and further modernize the terminal.
With backing from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Senators Durbin and Duckworth, and other stakeholders, O'Hare is set to keep growing and meet the needs of travelers in the 21st century. For those in the commercial construction industry, the Terminal 5 project is an example of how federal investments can support urban development and help make large-scale projects successful and sustainable.
