| An expanded
secure passenger area, improved lighting and the
addition of a jet bridge are among the
construction efforts currently underway at the
Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport. The project,
which got underway in November of 2010, is
expected to take about 1 year to complete. The
remodeling project will be completed in 3
Phases, allowing daily flights, air services and
car rentals to continue as construction is
taking place. Phase One
is underway and is expected to be completed in
June 2011. As part of Phase One, the west end of
the Airport Terminal was gutted and is being
upgraded for greater energy efficiency. The
Secure Passenger area will be expanded and upon
completion will include bathrooms and a vending
area.
The renovation will
additionally include adding a conveyor to move
passenger bags to a private area for screening
and a skylight for better lighting in the
terminal. An interior ramp will be built to take
passengers to and from jet bridge when boarding
and deplaning. All bathrooms will also be
upgraded to meet the standards of the Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990.
 Exterior
changes that will take place under this
renovation include adding an insulated metal
panel to the red brick exterior; a new roof with
a curved upper roof line which will incorporate
the skylight; and a jet bridge which will
facilitate the boarding and deplaning
procedures.
Currently, Delta Airlines and
the car rental companies are operating from
temporary locations within the Airport Terminal.
Upon completion of Phase One, they will be able
to move into the newly renovated west end of the
Terminal and construction will continue for
Phases Two and Three.
The Brainerd Lakes Regional
Airport continually strives to enhance the
flying experience for passengers and pilots
flying to and from the Brainerd Lakes Area.
This Airport Terminal
Renovation project is funded using dedicated
transportation funds. Another project at the
Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport which was
recently completed included the extension of the
runway and taxiway. This project was funded
through a grant the airport received.
A Grand Opening celebration is
planned following the Terminal Renovation
project. The date will be announced closer to
project completion. |
