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May 27th, 2021 | Airport News
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) breaks ground for
Security Checkpoint Expansion / Terminal Connector
Since 1974, an underground tunnel has been the direct connection for passengers between the Main Terminal and Departure Building at Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE).
That existing travel route is about to change!
On Thursday, May 27th, the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority (LNAA) joined federal, state, and local officials along with regional organizations to celebrate the takeoff of the Security Checkpoint / Terminal Connector project.
“The tunnel was never designed to implement Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening equipment post 9/11. The equipment keeps getting larger in size with enhancements that produce the highest level of security and safety,” said Thomas R. Stoudt, Executive Director, LNAA.
Additionally, the return to 2017 passenger traffic numbers in April 2021, and an even greater return to normal activity already visible this month at ABE, all point to an immediate need for a third passenger security screening lane. While the pandemic impacted aviation across the world, ABE is already returning to those pre-pandemic passenger traffic levels which heightens the priority of completing this project.
“This project has received tremendous support from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania led by Senator Pat Browne and the Lehigh Valley Delegation. We will continue to need more of that moving forward. The time is now for us to begin construction ensuring ABE maintains a competitive edge while delivering the LNAA’s vision of being the best regional airport system in North America,” said Stoudt.
Security Checkpoint / Terminal Connector Project breakdown:
- 4-lane security checkpoint with latest-generation screening equipment provided by TSA
- New vertical circulation equipment with redundancy to enhance ADA compliance
- Enhanced air purification system and improved air circulation
- Separation of outbound and inbound passenger flow
“Our neighborhood airport continues to undertake new and innovative projects, enhancing their already high-level of ease and convenience, while positioning the airport for a bright future,” Senator Pat Browne said. “On behalf of the Lehigh Valley legislative delegation, I applaud the Board of Directors, Executive Director Stoudt and all involved for their leadership, vision and commitment to bringing this bold project to fruition,” said Senator Pat Browne, 16th District, Pennsylvania.
Earlier this month, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) would invest $10 million in state grant funds benefitting 12 Pennsylvania airports. Funded through PennDOT Bureau of Aviation’s Aviation Transportation Assistance Program, ABE was awarded $1,778,500 to continue the terminal connector and security checkpoint expansion as well as enhance terminal commercial development connectivity.
“The COVID-19 Pandemic has impacted everyone’s lives in the State of Pennsylvania and has been equally felt by our transportation industry. As the State is focused on trying to reinstate the confidence level in our transportation systems, the Bureau of Aviation is continuing focus on developing, promoting, and preserving our commercial and general aviation airports. The award of nearly $1.8 million to LVIA from the Commonwealth’s Transportation Assistance Program to enhance the terminal connector and expand the TSA security checkpoint is a means of demonstrating our trust that air travel will rebound and positively impact the passenger’s experience,” said Anthony McCloskey, Director, PennDOT Bureau of Aviation.
Projection completion date is expected in 2023.
