Construction of the New Tom Bradly Terminal at LAX approaches halftime

During a recent hard-hat tour for media representatives, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa escorted attendees through the construction of the approximately $1.5 billion New Tom Bradley International Terminal (New TBIT) and revealed details about the terminal’s Great Hall, which will house a 140,000-square-foot shopping area — approximately the size of L.A.’s The Grove shopping area. The shopping facility, which is located after security, will feature local retailers and food outlets and be managed by Westfield. In total, the New TBIT will span almost 2,400 feet and be equipped with 18 new gates, nine of which are able to accommodate next-generation aircraft such as the Airbus A380.

While the New TBIT is considered to be the “crown jewel” of construction efforts going on at LAX, there are more than $4 billion in improvements currently taking place at the airport.

“All of the new construction ensures Los Angeles International Airport will put Angelenos back to work for years to come, remain competitive in the global market and bring even more visitors to our great city,” said Villaraigosa.

In addition to familiarizing journalists with New TBIT’s progress, the mayor also announced a new public education effort to inform residents and travelers about the improvements. Called LANext, the project includes an interactive website as well as outreach to residents through newspapers and mailings. Local residents will receive information about what is happening at LAX, when to expect improvements and how they can personally benefit in the form of jobs and business opportunities. www.la-next.com