LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Crews have begun a $230 million renovation project to overhaul gate and lounge areas and replace passenger boarding bridges in Terminal 6 at LAX as part of the airport's $14.5 billion modernization project.
"LAX is bringing to life our vision for a reimagined airport from top to bottom, providing the very best terminals, transportation and services to our guests," said Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners Sean Burton. "Terminal 6 represents another opportunity to put our best foot forward to the world as we deliver on our infrastructure promises."
Alaska Airlines was contracted to oversee the renovation, which will also improve the way guests access the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Federal Inspection Station and modernize the Transportation Security Administration's Security Screening Checkpoint, according to LAX. The new TSA checkpoint will have five automated screening lanes and three standard lanes.
Once completed, the terminal will also have a drive-thru bus gate to improve the experience for guests being transported to and from other terminals.
"The modernization of Terminal 6 is a crucial piece of how we are elevating the guest experience at LAX through our industry-leading investments in technology, amenities and facilities," said Justin Erbacci, Los Angeles World Airports' CEO. "Along with our partners at Alaska Airlines, we are excited to begin work on this next terminal project, as we create a world-class airport for Los Angeles and our guests."
Three gates on the southeast end of the terminal are closed during construction, which will continue in phases through 2023. The Terminal 6 satellite was built in 1961, and a second-level concourse was added in the mid-1980s.
The $14.5 billion modernization is the largest airport project of its kind in the U.S. and includes a 2.25-mile Automated People Mover train system with six total stations — three inside the Central Terminal Area and three outside the CTA, which will connect the train system to LA Metro and a car rental facility. Officials expect the train system to be ready in 2023, and the full modernization project is expected to be completed ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
On July 8, the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners recommended that the City Council approve $1.067 billion in funding for renovations to terminal 4 and 5. That project includes connecting the terminals to the Automated People Mover train and adding new passenger check-in and baggage claim facilities, a consolidated security screening checkpoint, a new head house area for passenger processing and a new post-security connection between the two terminals.