T.F. Green Improvement Project update!

15 July 2006

   

As part of the construction project currently underway to improve the ease of use of the airport to the traveling public, the Rhode Island Airport Corporation would like to point out some of the changes that have already taken place as well as those coming in the next few months.

 

 

PASSENGER ACCESSIBILITY

 

Temporary construction walls have been placed throughout the terminal to separate the construction activities from normal airport use by the public.  These walls have been used to provide additional signage to help passengers navigate the terminal during construction as well as colorful renderings of some of the changes taking place.  All temporary construction walls should be in place by early September 2006.  Throughout construction, normal passenger travel routes will change as the project impacts certain areas of the terminal, please be mindful of the provided signage and allow extra time in arriving at the airport for your flight. 

 

FOOD, BEVERAGE, AND RETAIL

 

Temporary locations have been provided on the departures (ticketing) level for food, beverage, and retail purchases by passengers.  The food court and bookstore (previously located near the Northwest Airlines’ ticket counters) has been closed as part of the construction project and new, permanent locations will open next year on both the upper and lower levels.  Our full service restaurant, The Federal Tavern, remains open in its current location near the Southwest Airlines’ ticket counters.

 

The Rhode Island Marketplace retail area (located just after the security checkpoint area) has been closed and temporary retail offerings have been located in front of that location.  Shoe Shine services and The First Class Massage remain open in their previous locations just to sides of the temporary retail area.

 

AIRPORT INFORMATION BOOTH

 

The airport information booth has been closed and temporarily relocated on the lower level across from the large sailboat at the front of the building.  The new permanent information booth will be constructed this October and will be located immediately in front of the sailboat.

 

The reservations center has been relocated and upgraded from standard telephone to touchscreen computer technology.  The new touchscreen reservations kiosks are located in the baggage claim areas between bag claims 3 & 4 and 1 & 2.

 

STAIRS, ELEVATORS & ESCALATORS

 

The stairs and escalators in the center of the upper and lower levels in the lobby area are in the process of being relocated to the front of the building across from the large sailboat.  The relocation should be complete by the middle of August.  A new elevator is being constructed next to the new stairs and escalators and should be completed by the middle of December.  The two other existing elevators (located near the Northwest and Spirit Airlines’ ticket counters) remain open to public use.

 

 

 

US Customs (International flights) baggage claim area to be enlarged.

 

 

 

 

New walkways from each concourse will lead arriving passengers directly to the lower level baggage claim areas.  Additional food and retail options will be added in each concourse as well.

 

15 Feburary 2006

Governor Carcieri and Warwick Mayor Avedisian on Hand at Terminal News Conference

The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) officially commenced a two-year terminal improvement project designed to improve security procedures, enhance concessions in both the landside and airside areas and minimize congestion and simplify circulation on both levels of the terminal building.  The $83.5 million, 2006 Terminal Improvement Project will be completed by November of 2007.

“Today marks yet another important milestone in the history of T.F. Green Airport,” said James Rosati, chairman of the RIAC Board of Directors.  “We have enjoyed record use of this airport since the new terminal opened in 1996 and that increased use, combined with enhanced security procedures put in place shortly after 9/11 has challenged our ability to service our customers, especially during peak travel time.  Today, we take an important step toward returning this lobby area to the customer.”

Major components of the improvement project include:
· Expansion of the airline baggage rooms to accommodate the construction of a new In-Line Explosive Detection System (EDS) Baggage Handling System, allowing the removal of the EDS equipment currently residing in the terminal lobby;
· Expansion of the security screening checkpoint by widening the area to accommodate eight lanes and lengthening it to allow for increased passenger screening areas;
· Construction of exit ramps that will allow deplaning passengers to proceed directly to the lower level baggage claim area;
· Increased concessions on both pre- and post-security, including a new seating area in baggage claim on the lower level;
· Expansion of the second and third floor RIAC administration offices to accommodate RIAC staff and support space, TSA screening stations, and increased leasable space; and
· Addition of new ticket counter positions on both the north and south sides of the terminal lobby to accommodate future commercial service enhancements.

“T.F. Green is a vital economic engine for our state," Governor Donald L. Carcieri said.  "Our ability to grow jobs will depend on the airport's continued success.  By making the airport more customer-friendly, these improvements will encourage more people to fly to and from Warwick, while supporting our efforts to make T.F. Green more competitive.”

According to Mark Brewer, president and chief executive officer or RIAC, construction walls will soon be erected on the second level of the terminal, but inconvenience to passengers will be minimized to every extent possible. ”We expect our customers will have full access to all airline ticket counters and terminal services, including the bookstore and concession area and ATM’s.  Additionally, we will continue to work with the TSA in minimizing the lines at the security checkpoint areas, but we do ask for continued patience and understanding, particularly during peak travel times.  As always, we encourage passengers to adhere to arrival guidelines offered by their respective airlines to avoid delays and inconvenience.”

Mr. Brewer also noted that RIAC will provide periodic updates on construction progress and will notify passengers well in advance of any planned disruption in service.  Additionally, the RIAC web site, www.pvdairport.com will carry project updates at all times.

The separation of arriving and departing passengers has long been a priority for RIAC.  With the sloped walkway leading directly to the lower level, deplaning or arriving passengers will no longer walk through the existing security checkpoint area; rather, will be directed immediately to the lower level for baggage pick-up.  New food and beverage concessions will be added to the lower level, as will stores offering opportunities for food take-out and the purchase of gift items for arriving passengers. Enhanced elevator access to the lower level also will be offered.

“Convenience and ease of travel are two factors that have made T.F. Green one of the region’s most popular airports,” said Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian. “These improvements will assure the continued safety of Green’s passengers, and will provide for a more comfortable and pleasant traveling experience overall.”

The project will be funded by revenue bonds previously issued by the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) on behalf of RIAC and by Passenger Facility Charges (PFC’s).

The timetable for the major components of the 2006 Terminal Improvement Project is as follows:

· Terminal Construction Starts-  March/April 2006
· RIAC Administrative Personnel Relocate-  Summer 2006
· Completion of the Lobby Infill-  Fall 2006
· Completion of the Security Checkpoint Expansion-  Winter 2006
· Completion of the Sloped Walkway Exit Ramps-  Spring 2007
· Completion of RIAC Administrative Offices-  Summer 2007
· Completion of the EDS Baggage System-  Fall 2007
· Project Completion-  Winter 2007

For additional information, contact, Patti Goldstein, Vice President of Public Affairs and Air Service Marketing (401) 737-4000, ext. 272