Crews have been working overnight this week to install a temporary construction wall in the ticketing area of Raleigh-Durham International Airport’s Terminal 2.
According to a website dedicated to the project, the wall marks one of the first visible steps in a major terminal expansion project designed to improve the passenger experience.
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Fewer parking lots, more spaces
The first impact on travelers came Jan. 2, when the ParkRDU Economy 4 lot was closed. That parking lot, near Interstate 540 and U.S. Highway 70, will be available only to airport employees.
The plan is to add 7,000 new spaces to the Economy 3 lot, located just off I-40 and Aviation Parkway on National Guard Drive. Those spaces will open in phases throughout the year.
The Economy 3 lot will get additional upgrades, including a customer amenity building with restrooms, solar panels and EV chargers.
More space, shorter waits in RDU Terminal 2
By expanding Terminal 2, RDU aims to reduce wait times at ticket counters, security checkpoints, and baggage claim, while also adding space for international arrivals as the airport offers more nonstop destinations.
The Terminal 2 expansion is part of RDU’s $2.5 billion "Transform RDU" capital improvement program, which is expected to be completed in 2032.
This phase of the project includes expanding the ticketing and international arrivals areas, adding security checkpoint lanes, and upgrading the baggage handling system.
The construction area will be closed off for approximately two years.
Airport officials note that all ticket counters and security checkpoint lanes will remain open throughout construction.