By Rob Yingling
Big changes are on the way at Reagan National. The airport is working to transform the passenger experience by eliminating outdoor boarding of aircraft and freeing up movement inside the gate areas. The two main components of the project, called Project Journey, have been carefully planned to minimize impacts on passengers during construction.
One visible sign of progress is the ongoing demolition of the Airports Authority’s former headquarters building on the site where a 14-gate commuter aircraft concourse will be built. Construction will take place behind fencing and not affect aircraft or vehicle movement.
The other, more impactful element will involve construction of new security checkpoints next to Terminal B/C and above the Arrivals-level roadway. When work begins, some roadway lanes will close so crews can build foundations for the structures and place support beams. Regular users of Reagan National are encouraged to sign up for project updates at flyreagan.com. The new facilities are expected to open by 2021.