REDMOND, Ore. -- The Redmond Airport is about to get a large two-year, $180 million expansion of the airport and terminal. And the roads around the airport are getting a big upgrade, too.
"The new terminal expansion that's beginning on Wednesday will add about 80,000 square feet. That includes several jet bridges, 6,000 square feet of retail concessions, over 800 or so, more seating placements and so it's really just going to be a basically you'll see a brand new concourse," said Redmond Municipal Airport Director Zachary Bass.
A temporary underground tunnel is required to support baggage operations during the construction. The main concourse hallway doors for gates 6, 7 and 8 will be permanently closed, and passengers leaving from those gates will be rerouted through Door 4 to board their flights.
"You walk down that long hallway, there's a lot of gates," Bass said. "There's more opportunities for food and concessions and retail, and you're going to see that same thing here in a few years when this is complete."
The tunnel provides access for baggage screening and handling operations to temporarily move out from under active construction zones.
Along with the new route to planes, passengers can expect new signage and staff assistance through areas. There are no anticipated delays or schedule changes to any flights.
A groundbreaking ceremony is set for Wednesday.
As the Redmond Airport prepares for its construction project, the City of Redmond has started its multi-phase project near Airport Way.
"Right now we're doing what's known as the airport way extension," Principal Engineer with the City of Redmond Jake Sherman said. "We're extending it from Veterans Way through the old Juniper Golf course to the state highway 126."
The project will provide an alternate route to South Highway 97, improve access to East Highway 126, and increase traffic safety.
The project also creates access to industrial and commercial land for economic development in the region.
"They have punched a road through the old golf course, majority of the way north, south," said Sherman. "Right now they're working on punching a road east west."
The Eastside Arterial project is expected to be complete in 2027. The full plan from the city is below.
Phase 1 | NE 9th Street Extension: There will be 2,600 feet of new minor arterial street extending NE 9th Street between OR126 and Veterans Way. Additionally, there will be 2,600 feet of new major collector that will replace existing Veterans Way at OR126. Work will include new pavement, turn lanes, bike lanes, sidewalk, multi-use paths, storm swales with street trees, and subsurface utility improvements. This will be constructed completely offsite in the old golf course area close to the Redmond Airport and with no impacts to traffic. Construction may include blasting and heavy construction equipment.
Phase 2 | OR126 Roundabout: Installation of a new single-lane roundabout at the intersection of OR126 and NE 9th Street, including new pavement, pedestrian crossings, sidewalks, storm swales, and subsurface utility improvements. This work will be primarily conducted offsite from the existing highway with minor closures for the NE 9th Street tie-in.
Phase 3 | Veterans Way & Airport Way Roundabout: Installation of a new single-lane roundabout at the intersection of Veterans Way and Airport Way including new pavement, pedestrian crossings, sidewalks, storm swales and subsurface utility improvements. This work will be primarily conducted offsite from the existing highway with temporary detours as necessary to tie-in Airport Way, Veterans, Way, 1st Street, and the proposed NE 9th Street extension.
Phase 4 | NE 9th Street Modernization: Modernization of existing NE 9th Street between NE Hemlock Avenue and OR126. Work includes widening of the existing roadway and the addition of new bike lanes, sidewalks, and landscape strips along the entire corridor. This work may include detours off of NE 9th Street.