Two pedestrian skybridges linking the Hourly Deck and Terminal open to passengers Wednesday, July 31, as the Airport reaches a significant milestone for the Terminal Lobby Expansion project. The skybridges, situated on the fifth floor of the Hourly Deck linking to the third level in the lobby, are under an expansive 146,000-square-foot glass canopy, providing passengers convenience and weather protection.
“We are thrilled to mark another milestone in the Terminal Lobby Expansion project with the opening of the two skybridges,” said Chief Infrastructure Officer Jack Christine. “Pedestrians will experience enhanced safety with efficient access to the terminal away from traffic and ensuring smoother vehicle traffic flow. These enhancements underscore our commitment to providing a first-class passenger experience.”
The addition of the skybridges complements the existing underground walkways, offering travelers seamless and weather-protected access between the two structures. Starting July 31, pedestrians traveling between the terminal and the Hourly Deck/Rental Car Facility must use the skybridges or underground walkways. Roadway crossings to and from the Hourly Deck are prohibited. Passengers utilizing Airport and hotel shuttles, rideshares and curbside drop-offs and pickups are not affected.
Signage will be in place to guide passengers, and CLT will have additional staff wearing yellow vests for additional wayfinding assistance.
Upon entering the terminal's mezzanine level (level 3), passengers will be welcomed by two new art pieces integrated into the terrazzo flooring: Catawba Ways by Janelle Lane Stanley and Garden Carpet by Susan Brenner.
The Terminal Lobby Expansion project is in phase five of six and scheduled for completion in 2025. It is transforming the terminal which was built in 1982 to accommodate 2.8 million travelers a year. In 2023, CLT passenger traffic reached a record 53.4 million. Of the 26.7 million passengers that departed CLT, 8.3 million (31%) used the terminal lobby.
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