|
During the 1980s, the
Airport would see significant improvements with the implementation of a major
$695 million capital improvement program. The decade opened with the dedication
of a state-of-the-art $6.5 million Federal Aviation Administration air traffic
control facility in December 1981.
In 1984, 500 ground-level
short-term parking spaces were created as a result of the relocation of five
car rental agencies to self-contained buildings just north of the parking
garages. Work also commenced on an $11 million improvement project to the
Airport's heating and air conditioning system.
In 1985, SEPTA inaugurated
service on a new rail line connecting the Airport with downtown Philadelphia,
and a new cargo facility became operative with construction on a second cargo
facility being completed by the end of the decade.
A multi-faceted project to
greatly improve the flow of traffic on the often-congested arrivals roadway was
completed in 1986. The completion of this project doubled the traffic lanes
from three to six, separated public and private transportation traffic, created
new exits and entrances at two multi-level parking garages and established
additional ground-level parking.
In the late 1980's, a $695 million,
six-year capital improvement program began that called for construction to
begin on a new $100 million international terminal (Terminal A, completed in
1991); the total renovation of Terminals B, C, D and E; reconstruction of all
public restrooms; a new 2,800-space multi-level parking garage; and enhanced
roadway signs.
|
|
The newly consolidated
Terminal B/C opened in June 1998 and includes a new ticketing pavilion with
more than 50 check-in positions, a baggage claim area with 7 new and enlarged
carousels, a US Airways Club on the third level of Terminal B/C connector
overlooking the airfield, and the new Philadelphia MarketPlace at the Airport
with 31 national and local shops and eateries including Lids, The Gap, Jockey,
The Discovery Channel, Sbarro's, Flamers, TGI Fridays and numerous others.
Philadelphia International Airport is in the midst of a major Capital
Improvement Program. This extensive program, which began in the late 1980s,
affects landside, terminal, and airfield areas of the Airport.
On
August 2, 1999, Philadelphia International Airport broke ground on new regional
and international terminals. Regional Terminal F opened in June 2001 with the
new International Terminal A-West opening in May 2003.
On December 3,
1999, Philadelphia International Airport commissioned its new Runway 8-26.
Constructed at a cost of $221 million, this 5,000-foot runway serves regional
and general aviation aircraft.
|