Travelers flying in and out of Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) can see what looks like a steel city rising west of the airport. The construction underway is the skeleton of a new terminal, concourse and parking garage scheduled to open in 2020. That’s right, in case you hadn’t heard, Salt Lake is building a new airport.
The SLC Airport was long overdue for new facilities. Terminal 1 was built in the early 1960s to accommodate 10 million passengers. Terminal 2 was completed in the early 1980s and the “newest” International Terminal was built more than 20 years ago.
Today, SLC sees more than 24 million visitors each year and is growing at a rate of nearly 5 percent each year. Not only have passenger numbers grown, but security needs have changed and earthquake safety standards have evolved. Plus, SLC has grown into a thriving airport hub for Delta Air Lines with numerous flights arriving and departing around the same time. The new airport facilities are being designed with state-of-the-art functionality and for ease of use.
BONUS FEATURE: the new facilities are being designed to meet LEED Gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council.
- Most up and down movements via escalators and elevators have been eliminated in the design, making the terminal easier and quicker to navigate.
- Congestion on Terminal Drive will also be alleviated with an elevated roadway with one level for passenger pick-up and one level for passenger drop-off. Travelers will also enjoy the convenience of a parking garage with twice as many spaces.
- One central terminal will eliminate redundant facilities for passenger check-in, security screening and baggage claim.
- Plus, the design will eliminate bottlenecks on the airfield allowing airlines to get planes back into the air more quickly and avoid delays.
The interior of The New SLC will leave passengers with a lasting impression. Copper and sage colors are incorporated into the interior to reflect those in the local environment and passengers will enjoy views the surrounding mountains through the multiple windows incorporated throughout. Gate hold areas will be spacious with ample seating and concourses will offer a wide selection of shops and restaurants.
Large-scale, permanent art installations will highlight the natural beauty found in the state, including The Canyon and The Falls by artist Gordon Huether. The Canyon evokes the Salt Lake City landscape and spans 362 feet, roughly the length of a football field. The Falls sculpture makes use of natural light to create intriguing color effects and shadows.
EVEN MORE BONUS: Not a dime of local tax payer dollars will be spent on The New SLC Airport.
One unique feature that is planned for The New SLC is a meeter/greeter room to accommodate large groups coming to meet friends and families returning from military service, religious missions and for other events.
After the first phase of The New SLC opens in 2020, demolition of the existing facilities will begin so the second phase of construction can get underway. Building the concourses to the east is expected to be finished in 2023/24.
The New SLC will create a memorable travel experience for passengers—whether connecting to another city or making SLC their final destination. For updates about The New SLC construction, go to www.slcairport.com.
