For Immediate Release:
April 25, 2003

Contact Information:
Monique Bond
773-686-3700/312-839-3194

CHICAGO O'HARE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BEGINS CONSTRUCTION ON FIRST PHASE OF TERMINAL FAÇADE PROJECT

Work to Start May 5 from 11:00 p.m.-5:00 a.m.

Check out our website for "The New Face of O'Hare" and view our virtual tour, renderings, project background and ground transportation travel advisories.

CHICAGO - April 25, 2003 - Construction work begins on the O'Hare Terminal Façade and Circulation Enhancement (FACE) Project on Monday, May 5th, aviation officials announced today.

The O'Hare FACE Project is part of the Department of Aviation's on-going capital improvement program to update the existing infrastructure of the airport facility. The $300 million project was announced in February of 2001 and is expected to be completed in 2007.

Components of the FACE Project include:

• · A new canopy at Terminals 1,2 &3 will provide O'Hare's terminals with a unified image. The cantilevered canopy will cover two lanes of the departures level providing protection for travelers during inclement weather conditions.
• · Terminals 2 and 3 will extend 20 feet toward the roadway providing new space for circulation elements, such as elevators, escalators, and stairs. Spacious check-In lobby features and more room at the baggage claim areas will add convenience for quick movement through the airport facilities.
• · Other public areas of Terminal 3 will be updated utilizing new technologies to achieve energy and efficiency. More counters, railings, signage and passenger amenities will provide additional space for efficient flow of passenger traffic eliminating peak period crowding.

"The O'Hare FACE Project is necessary to update and enhance the airport structure's integrity, " said Aviation Commissioner Thomas R. Walker. "When designed and built nearly 40 years ago, O'Hare terminals were uniform in appearance and functional for their time. While the original terminals have served Chicago well, many components are reaching the end of their useful life, leading to higher maintenance and repair costs," added Walker.

The new façade will consist of a unique cable-supported insulated glass wall, which will allow for dramatic lightness and transparency. This design will allow greater visual clarity between the departures curb and the check-in lobbies for better passenger orientation and easier airline identification. At the arrivals level, the new glass façade will provide a more open and brighter environment in the baggage claim areas with direct visual connection to the arrivals curb.

Operational Impacts

The Department's goal is to minimize motorist and passenger inconvenience. Construction work will take place during nighttime hours between 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., when airport operations are minimally impacted.

Sections of roadway lanes will be temporarily closed at different phases of the project. Upper level closures will be limited to two inside lanes adjacent to the associated work phase. Lower level closures will be limited to the inside lanes adjacent to the terminal in the associated work area. These temporary lane closures will take place in the phases.

Access to the terminals will remain at all times. However, temporary closure of vestibule doors will take place in work areas with the erection of the canopy and the new façade.

Variable message signs will be placed at major entry points into the airport at Cumberland Avenue; I-90 Flyover; I-90 Toll Plaza; Mannheim Road Southbound to I-190; Mannheim Rd. Northbound to I-190; Bessie Coleman Drive; I-190; T3 Re-circulation Roadway and the entrance to the airport's main parking garage.

Flyers will be distributed at all airport information booths; police kiosks; airline ticket counters and rental car agencies. Travelers can also contact O'Hare Airport Information at (773) 686-2200. Public announcements will be made throughout the airport terminals.

Motorists and airport users are advised to park in the main parking garage when meeting or dropping off travelers. A special rate of $3.00 for the first three hours of parking will be in effect throughout the duration of the O'Hare FACE Project.

Travelers should allow additional time, an hour and a half for a domestic departure and two hours for an international departure. Unattended vehicles will be ticketed and towed. Parking is prohibited. Vehicles for hire are encouraged to drop off passengers on the outer lanes of the lower level to avoid congestion.

For parking availability, motorists can contact (773) 686-7530.