Los Angeles - Tom Bradley West expansion.

I passed through TBIT again last week. As I have previously mentioned I am underwhelmed by the recently completed multi-million dollar remodeling job. In fact, it's barely noticeable to me except fewer things are in a state of half completed construction than they were before. It's still a dreary place.

Far more shocking though. There seems to be MAJOR construction progress going on with the Tom Bradley West expansion. Like there is the beginnings of an actual terminal there now. Real work you can see. I kind of had it in my head that Tom Bradley West was still in the pipe dream stage somewhere and maybe my grand kids would see it built someday but it looks like they are actually building it. Probably still 5 years until it sees any passengers but I was amazed at how much has actually been completed since last time I noticed just a month and a half earlier. It looks almost like it might be a modern first world endeavor on par with international standards albeit on a much smaller scale than other countries.

I found this picture and a "construction cam". I'm impressed. I could swear I did not notice anything resembling this on my previous trip through TBIT just a month and a half earlier. It looks to me like allot accomplished is a very short period of time.


http://www.earthcam.com/clients/lax/?project=cam1

They've been working on it heavily, much of that was in progress in late January/February (the construction is a bit annoying when you have to cross to the other side of the airport which I had to do once or twice in February, as the cross point is further west currently).

I found this picture and a "construction cam". I'm impressed. I could swear I did not notice anything resembling this on my previous trip through TBIT just a month and a half earlier. It looks to me like allot accomplished is a very short period of time.

http://www.earthcam.net/images/69fc5795f8fcd00dfe6087131225d97a/cityoflampr.jpg


http://www.earthcam.com/clients/lax/?project=cam1

Zgood, I guess it will big change form what is there now, I wonder if the old terminal will stay?

They've been working on it heavily, much of that was in progress in late January/February (the construction is a bit annoying when you have to cross to the other side of the airport which I had to do once or twice in February, as the cross point is further west currently).

That crossing point isn't going to change. The 50 yard line is gone forever.

Zgood, I guess it will big change form what is there now, I wonder if the old terminal will stay?

According to LAWA site the old North and South concourse will be demolished in 2013 once the west side gates are up and running. Once they are gone the east side gates will be finished and opened.

Link to the latest construction cam (update on June 27)
http://www.earthcam.com/clients/lax/?project=cam1&page=pano

I actually got to use the fabulous TBIT West terminal last week boarding a CX flight.

OK, so it was actually boarding a bus to the remote stand.;) They have a section of bus gates open in the new "terminal" connected to the far north end of the old TBIT. They are way nicer that the old bus gates. :D:rolleyes:

Just visited the newly remodeled Tom Bradley terminal and it looks great. Not too different but one thing they definitely need is free wifi!

Just visited the newly remodeled Tom Bradley terminal and it looks great. Not too different but one thing they definitely need is free wifi!

:confused:

It is still under construction and nowhere near being finished.

Just visited the newly remodeled Tom Bradley terminal and it looks great. Not too different but one thing they definitely need is free wifi!

:confused:

It is still under construction and nowhere near being finished.

Landside is done, I believe, but that is only a small part of the renovation.

Landside is done, I believe, but that is only a small part of the renovation.

Thanks.

You would not know it from driving by on the upper or lower level roadways or from the most recent airport development update from December 22 (PDF (http://www.lawa.org/uploadedFiles/LAXDev/Photos/ADG%20Update%2012-22-11.pdf)).

The main LAX Development (http://www.lawa.org/laxdev/laxdev.aspx) webpage does mention it, though:
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is in the midst of a multi-billion dollar development program for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The centerpiece of the program is the Bradley West Project which includes new gate and concourse areas at the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). LAWA also recently completed a $737 million renovation of TBIT that upgraded the facility with a new in-line baggage screening system and interior improvements to enhance service and convenience to the passengers and tenants who use LAX's premier international terminal. The TBIT renovation incorporated sustainable design and construction guidelines developed by LAWA and the facility is more energy efficient and environmentally-friendly as a result. LAWA’s commitment to sustainable development and the environment was recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council which awarded its prestigious Silver LEED-EB (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – Existing Building) Certification which is the first-ever for a renovation project at a U.S. airport.

I believe LAX's target opening date for new gates is November 2012. It looks like they will get there on time based on the construction progress.