Airport officials knocked the first hole in the wall Monday as construction began on the remodeling of Tucson International Airport.

The project will expand the security checkpoint areas, add retail and restaurants in the post-security area and open up the wall of windows on the airport’s south side with views of the airfield.

Underused space in the ticketing lobby will become expanded security checkpoints and the space on the concourses currently being used for checkpoints will have retail shops, food and beverage outlets and other services, such as business centers and children’s play areas.

Construction of the $28.3 million project is expected to be complete by the end of 2017. Sundt Construction is the general contractor and DWL Architects + Planning Inc. is the project architect.

Aside from some noise and dust, passenger travel should not be affected.

Visit flytucson.com for construction updates.


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