Here’s what Sacramento International Airport expansion means for travel and delays
In a few years, Sacramento International Airport won’t look the same as it does today.
The airport will undergo major renovations, officials announced at a Wednesday morning press conference, as a part of a new plan called SMForward.
The project, which is expected to total $1.3 billion, entails up to eight new gates at Terminal B, a parking garage, a new car rental center, a covered pedestrian walkway and a new ground transportation center.
Sacramento International Airport plans new gates, walkway and more. Here are the renderings
At the news conference, Stephen Clark, deputy director of airport commercial development at the airport, said that SMForward isn’t designed to just meet travel needs with new gates, restaurants and parking.
“It actually puts a down payment on our long-term investment into the greater Sacramento region,” Clark said. “It opens the door to opportunities for businesses and professionals to be a part of our ever-evolving airport experience.”
SMForward is focused on partnering with local businesses, Clark said, and is offering contracting opportunities. As the plan commences, it will generate more than 800 jobs in construction each year for the first four years, said Phil Serna, Sacramento County Supervisor.
Here’s what this means for travelers and taxpayers:
What is the timeline of the project?
The $1.3 billion expansion is planned over the next five years.
The one of the first part of the project will be the construction of the pedestrian walkway, Clark said, which connects Terminal B with Concourse B. This will start in the summer 2024 and will be complete by late 2025.
“Fortunately, much of that work is actually done on the air side, where the aircraft operate,” he said, “so it’s really not going to be a ton of impacts to guests traveling through the facility.”
Construction on new gates and other components of SMForward will generally take place between 2024 and 2027. Clark said the project is expected to be complete by late 2027.
Will there be disruptions to travel or road closures?
Expect some road closures or detours during the project.
Clark said the airport is working with its contracting partners to pinpoint travel and road impacts early so they can prevent them. There may be signs, designated pathways and buildings to ensure people can get through safely.
Flights will likely continue as planned. Clark said that SMF is not anticipating airlines to delay, cancel or stop flights.
Alerts concerning travel impacts during construction will be updated on the SMForward website.
Where is the $1.3 billion coming from?
It’s not from your local tax dollars.
Funding for SMForward is coming from federal government grant opportunities, user airport fees, such as car rental fees, and fees paid by airline partners.
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