The $5.2 billion renovation of Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is moving forward, driven by a commitment from the project team to fulfill the vision of Michael Williams, the late program director.
Williams passed away recently, leaving behind a message to his team that has become their rallying cry: “You need to finish.” Now, as construction reaches its final phases, the team is determined to complete the renovation in 2026, ensuring that his plans come to fruition.
The ongoing project has spanned 12 years, and while $370 million in construction work remains, significant milestones have been achieved. The renovation involves the addition of 16 new gates to the eastern section of Concourse B, bringing the total number of gates at the airport to 94.
Currently, the project stands as one of the most ambitious and comprehensive renovation endeavors in the nation’s air travel infrastructure.
Since the construction was divided into four overlapping phases, the team is now concluding the third phase. This third phase has included substantial developments such as a 1,000-foot-long tunnel linking Concourse A and B along with the completion of the Concourse B plaza. As of late 2024, these sections have been opened to the public.
Phase one, finalized in late 2020, focused on the central terminal and the western sections of the concourses. Phase two, completed in 2023, involved demolishing the original 60-year-old airport and constructing the eastern portion of Concourse A, along with progress on the central tunnel.
The fourth phase is set to showcase the opening of five new gates this autumn along with the remaining gates from phase three. Additionally, this phase will see the unveiling of a 34,000-square-foot Delta Air Lines lounge and a 16,000-square-foot American Express lounge, with both spaces expected to open in the fall.
As part of the final work, major vertical construction and paving needs to be completed, with a target for overall airport opening in October 2026. However, some paving tasks will proceed into early 2027.
Safety has been a critical focus throughout the project, given SLC’s location in a seismically active dry lake bed with a water table positioned just seven feet below the surface. To counteract potential liquefaction risks in the event of an earthquake, the team drilled hundreds of 3-foot-diameter holes deep into the ground. These holes were then pressure-filled with small stones to ensure a stable foundation for construction.
In addition to the structural additions and innovations, the project has also prioritized aesthetic elements. One such feature, referred to as “The River,” has been installed in the ceiling of the expansive 106,140-square-foot central tunnel. This artistic installation was created by Gordon Huether, who also designed “The Canyon,” a captivating membrane sculpture made from aluminum-framed fins wrapped in fabric, designed to evoke the beauty of natural light patterns.
The ongoing work has already resulted in a significant transformation at the airport, and the team remains committed to enhancing the customer experience once the renovation is fully completed.
Brian Stetson, who has stepped into the role of program director following Williams’ passing, emphasized the importance of moving forward with respect for Williams’ legacy. In reference to the project, Stetson declared, “We have a commitment to finish this program, and we do it for Mike. We will deliver it the way he laid out the plan. It’s our rally cry: Deliver this thing.”
With a large portion of the airport renovation expected to be complete by the end of 2026, travelers and employees alike will soon experience the full benefits of the enhancements. As the construction team works diligently to meet these timelines, a renewed excitement surrounds the latest developments in Salt Lake City International Airport renovation project, ensuring that it will be a state-of-the-art facility for years to come.
In summary, the project is more than just a construction effort—it’s a tribute to the vision of Michael Williams and a beacon of progress for air travel in and out of Salt Lake City.
image source from：simpleflying
