Airport Construction Update: We're Topped Out!

San Diego International Airport celebrated a major milestone for The Green Build yesterday when the final steel beam for the 460,000 square-foot terminal expansion was installed. A "Topping Out" ceremony was attended by more than 200 elected officials, Airport Authority Board members, business and community leaders and members of the construction team.

Guests signed the steel beam prior to its installation. The 8,000 pound beam was then raised into place, topped with an American flag and evergreen tree, by a massive, 190-foot crane.

Topping-out ceremony

The final steel beam was installed on June 8, 2011.

More than 5,600 tons of steel - all American-made - were needed to provide the framework for the building, which will be home to 10 new gates and Sunset Cove, a new concession area with views of the airfield.

What's next? The walls for the terminal building will soon be constructed and work will continue on the interior of the structure. In addition, construction of the dual-level roadway in front of Terminal 2 is under way. Piles are now being drilled for the support columns. Stay tuned for more as that project moves forward.

To sign up for airport construction alerts, text 'alert' to 45995. Standard text messaging rates may apply. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the construction hotline at (619) 400-2288 or send an email to greenbuild@san.org.

Stay Informed:

The Green Build will bring a number of long-awaited upgrades to passengers traveling in and out of San Diego International Airport. As the largest improvement project in the airport's history, The Green Build will help meet the airport's current and future demand for travel, while improving customer service and serving as an economic stimulus for the San Diego region. Improvements include 10 new gates, a dual-level roadway in front of Terminal 2 to separate arriving and departing passengers and reduce curb front congestion, more security lanes, expanded waiting areas and more shopping and dining options. The Green Build, a $1 billion project, will create 1,000 jobs at peak construction. Travelers can expect to take advantage of the finished facilities in 2013.

The Green Build means big opportunities for local small, disadvantaged, minority or woman-owned and disabled veteran businesses in the San Diego region. Learn more and register to be kept informed of future opportunities.