Airport Board Approves $15.5 Million Addition to Concourse B; Six New Gates, New Shops and Restaurant are Planned

Lexington, KY - The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Airport Board has awarded a contract to Messer Construction Company of Cincinnati, Ohio to construct a $15.5 million six-gate addition to Blue Grass Airport's "B" Concourse. The project, which will begin in early July 2005, six new passenger boarding gates, at least four new jet bridges, one new retail outlet, one food/beverage outlet and ample passenger seating. The gate addition is needed to accommodate current and future flight operations and allow for more efficient flow of passengers through the terminal.

"We have 10 boarding gates and 14 aircraft trying to use those gates each morning. This addition will allow airlines to operate more efficiently today and allow us to accommodate new growth in the future", said Michael Gobb, executive director for Blue Grass Airport.

Work will begin on the first phase of the project in early July and is expected to last approximately 14 months. The first phase of construction will include work on the aircraft ramp, a re-design of drainage around the new addition and the construction of the shell of the gate addition. Phase two which is expected to last six months will include interior furnishings, renovating the existing B Concourse and a build-out of restroom, concession and public areas.

Upon completion in the summer of 2007, the airport will offer 16 passenger boarding gates with nearly all airline operations utilizing covered jet bridges; allowing passengers to seamlessly board aircraft without walking out in the elements or having to climb stairs to/from their aircraft.

In addition, as part of a separate project, the airport will begin renovating the C Concourse which is currently used by American Eagle, Northwest, United Express and US Airways Express. This $650,000 renovation will introduce new seating, flooring, ceilings, lighting, wall coverings and larger restroom facilities. Work on this renovation will begin in August 2005 and is expected to be complete in January 2006.

Concourse B Gate Addition - Plan View (PDF)
Concourse B Gate Addition - Exterior View (PDF)