Start 9 (tie): O'Hare Terminal Facade and Circulation Enhancement
Cost: $300 million

The world's largest airport, Chicago's O'Hare International, is getting a facelift.

Phase two of the $300 million, four-phase O'Hare Terminal Facade and Circulation Enhancement project got under way in December.

Activity includes the construction of a cantilevered canopy on Terminals 2 and 3. The canopy, covering two lanes of traffic, will eventually unify the appearance of Terminals 1, 2, and 3 and provide shelter from the elements for cars and passengers as they pull up to the terminals.

This phase also includes extensions of Terminals 2 and 3. Later phases will remodel the interiors of the three terminals and extend the facade to include Terminal 1.

Phase one consisted of roadway work, and all work is slated for completion in 2007.

Column Foundations Done

Art Andros, director of development for the Chicago Department of Aviation and project director of the FACE project, said that in April, crews had finished the foundations for the huge columns that will eventually support the canopy and curtain wall.

Despite finding a few old foundations during excavation, the project has gone smoothly, Andros said. Crews are working overnight shifts and paying constant attention to airport schedules.

"We usually start mobilization at 10 p.m. and are out by 5 a.m.," he added. "We don't start until we get the OK, in case any flights will be delayed."

He said once the day's flights are done, the airport clears out. At that point crews can shut down a few lanes at a time without a problem. As a result, the project can be accomplished with minimal passenger impact.

Travelers know that the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks brought changes in airport security. Construction projects at airports are now required to adhere to stringent security measures as well.

"Any contractor involved with any of our airport construction must undergo all required security screening measured prescribed by the Transportation Security Administration," said Monique Bond, assistant commissioner of media relations for the Chicago Department of Aviation.

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