Airport upgrades are occurring at breakneck pace in the wake of the IIJA and other federal bills. The latest airport undergoing upgrades is the San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

SFO has officially launched its $2.9 billion Terminal 3 West Modernization project, a major renovation that will significantly upgrade the airport’s facilities. The project, which kicked off on August 20, marks a crucial step in the airport’s recovery and development following delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Terminal 3 (T3) West Modernization project is set to transform the existing 650,000-square-foot western half of the terminal. The renovation will include a seismic retrofit to improve the terminal’s earthquake resistance, an expanded security checkpoint, and new passenger amenities designed to improve the overall travel experience. In addition to the renovations, the project will add 200,000 square feet of space for an expanded selection of food, beverage, and retail concessions. This expanded section of Terminal 3 is expected to open in the fall of 2027.

The project will also feature a new six-story building that will house airline lounges and operational office space. This building, along with a new exterior façade that will greet travelers curbside, will improve the airport’s infrastructure and provide more space for passenger check-in. The upgraded check-in area will include state-of-the-art self-bag drop stations and new security checkpoints, one of which will be located on the mezzanine level for AirTrain passengers.

For international passengers, the project will provide direct access to the Customs Hall in the International Terminal through a new Federal Inspection Service (FIS) sterile connector. This feature is designed to streamline the process for international arrivals, improving the efficiency and experience for travelers.

The project is being led by Turner Construction, a New York City-based firm, in collaboration with San Francisco-based architects Gensler and TEF Design. The construction management team, known as WCME JV, is a joint venture made up of several firms, including San Francisco-based PGH Wong Engineering and MCK Americas, Houston-based Consor Engineers, and Chantilly, Virginia-based ECS Consultants.

SFO is targeting LEED Platinum certification for the Terminal 3 West Modernization project, to reflects the airport’s commitment to sustainability. The project will incorporate several environmentally friendly features, including daylight harvesting, displacement ventilation, on-site photovoltaic cells, waste heat recovery, low-carbon steel and concrete, energy-smart baggage handling, recycled water, and health-friendly materials. The airport also plans to use dynamic glazing, which automatically adjusts the tint of windows to optimize natural light and reduce energy consumption.

Mayor London Breed emphasized the importance of the project for both residents and visitors, saying, “For millions of people around the world, SFO creates their very first impression of the San Francisco Bay Area. We want our residents to be proud of their hometown airport and for visitors to experience what makes our region great the moment they step off an airplane.”

During the construction, a temporary walkway will be built to facilitate passenger movement between terminals and boarding areas around the project site. This walkway, which will consist of 11 sections currently being created, is expected to be operational by the holiday 2024 travel season.

The Terminal 3 West Modernization project will employ 500-600 workers at its peak and is targeting to award over $173 million in contracts to Local Business Enterprises (LBE). The renovated and expanded western half of Terminal 3 is expected to be completed in fall 2027, with the new six-story building scheduled to open in early 2028. A renovated check-in lobby on the eastern end of Terminal 3 is expected to open in early 2029. United Airlines, the largest carrier operating at SFO, will be one of the primary beneficiaries of the Terminal 3 upgrades.