Chicago O’Hare International Airport is to receive an additional $40 million in Airport Terminal Program grant funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, bringing the total amount awarded to the airport to $90 million.
This grant, along with a $50 million grant awarded in 2023, will be used to upgrade customer amenities, improve security screening and expand accessibility for passengers with disabilities at Terminal 3.
“O’Hare’s bustling Terminal 3 is a critical piece of Chicago infrastructure that will continue to play a key role in our national aviation system for decades to come,” said Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee of the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), which owns and operates O’Hare and Midway international airports. “I thank the entire Illinois Congressional delegation and our partners at the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for supporting our work to renovate this terminal. We look forward to working with our partners in the construction trades to ensure this project provides contracting opportunities to help diverse small businesses build capacity, while also delivering on Mayor Johnson’s vision to use government to connect young people across this city with opportunities to fulfil their potential.”
Planned upgrades at Terminal 3 that will be financed by this federal grant include eligible work related to:
- The reconfiguration of two Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints into a single screening area, providing space for modern and more efficient equipment.
- An expanded passenger corridor between Concourse K and Concourse L, tripling the current corridor’s width.
- The expansion of the hold room space at Gates K1 and L2A, dramatically improving the passenger experience.
- Upgrades to the terminal’s baggage facilities and systems, including a completely revamped baggage claim area.
- The development of approximately 10,000 square feet of new concessions and amenity spaces.
- Renovated restrooms and a new family restroom.
- Other renovations of the terminal’s interior and exterior structures and systems, which will improve overall energy efficiency.
The estimated $200 million project at Terminal 3 is a component of O’Hare 21, Chicago’s vision for a 21st century airport. Construction on the Terminal 3 Improvements project is expected to begin in spring 2024 and last for just over three years, with an anticipated completion date of summer 2027. Construction will take a phased approach to allow continuous operations throughout.
