TIA's $1 Billion Expansion: What to Expect

A number of changes are in store in the coming weeks at Tampa International Airport as work on a $1 billion expansion plan gets under way.

With peak holiday travel season also just around the corner, airport officials are trying to get the word out about what visitors can expect to encounter.

“We’re going to do everything in our power to minimize the impacts of this construction effort,” airport CEO Joe Lopano was quoted in a media release as saying. “Customer satisfaction has always been the highest priority at TPA and that’s especially true as the airport expands to meet its future needs.”

While the plan is to minimize the impacts, travelers should expect on feeling a few.

First up is a closing of the ground transportation centers on the east side of the terminal in early December. This will also involve moving all commercial vehicle operations to make way for expansion of the main terminal.

Motorists will see construction walls when they enter the curbsides for departures and arrivals. Construction walls will also go up inside the baggage claim level, as well.

The changes will also affect the “location of the Economy Parking Garage shuttle, taxis, hotel shuttles, SuperShuttle, cruise ship bus stops and other ground transportation operators,” the release stated. “Visitors may also notice increased traffic on airport roads.”

To help ensure traffic moves as smoothly as possible, additional specialists will be stationed at the blue baggage claim curbside exit, the airport reports. Signage will also be put in place to help travelers navigate the changes.

In January, construction on the third floor of the main terminal is anticipated to begin.

The project is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2017 and will eventually include not only the main terminal’s expansion, but also the creation of a consolidated rental car center.

To keep up with the expansion, follow TIA on Facebook.

Photo Credit: This rendering shows the new indoor/outdoor terrace for dining and viewing that will be installed on the west side of the main terminal. TIA/Facebook