Blountville, TN: Demolition of the north end of the old Airport concourse building (formerly gates 1, 2, and 3) has started the second phase of a ramp reconstruction project to enhance aircraft operation areas. Both north and south sides of the old Airport concourse, which has been non-operational since the new concourse opened in June 2001, will be removed to give the airlines more room to operate. The entire project is expected to take nine months and be finished by late spring or early summer 2009.

"Because of the need to relocate aircraft during this project, passengers may have to board out of different gates than they are accustomed to," says Patrick Wilson, TCRA executive director. "We want to make passengers aware that they could have a little more of a walk from the gate to the plane when boarding or unloading, but it will not affect their flights."

The first phase of the terminal ramp reconstruction project removed the existing asphalt pavement around the concourse and replaced it with heavy duty concrete. The asphalt had deteriorated due to long-term use and weather conditions. The new concrete surface provides a heavy duty aircraft ramp that will service the Airport for the next 20 years. The total cost of the project is approximately four million dollars, which is being funded through federal and state grants.

###