Click on project headings for more detailed information:
AeroTrain System
The AeroTrain replaces most of the Mobile Lounge system that prevailed at Dulles, though Mobile lounges remain integral to the airport's operation. The system operates on an underground dual track system. Trains rapidly carry passengers between the Main Terminal and Concourses A, B, and C. The stations are located at convenient points along the concourses to minimize walking distances to the airline gates. The C-Gates station is constructed beneath the site for a future Concourse which will ultimately replace the present-day C/D Concourse.
AeroTrain Maintenance Facility
This building supports the AeroTrain System with a vehicle storage yard and maintenance facility. It is located near the south end of the Airport and connects to the AeroTrain route via a branch from the main tunnel. 29 Vehicles comprise the present-day AeroTrain system.
Airport Traffic Control Tower
This project constructed the structural shell of a new Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) and a support/base building. The site of the new, 325 foot tall tower is about one mile south of the existing tower, directly adjacent to the future permanent Concourse C footprint. It provides views all around the Airport for the safe guidance of aircraft.
Concourse B Expansion
The first phase to expand Concourse B added four airline gates to the west end of the building and was completed in April 2003. The final phase of the expansion of Concourse B completes the build-out of the facility to the west, providing 15 additional aircraft gates attached to a two-level concourse building. The new gates opened in January 2008.Constructing the Concourse B AeroTrain station was also part of this project. The station opened concurrently with the entire AeroTrain System 2010.
Concourse C/D
A new, permanent midfield concourse will be constructed to replace the existing Concourse C/D, which is a temporary structure. The new Concourse will be built near the base of the new Airport Traffic Control Tower. Preliminary planning calls for a three-level structure with 44 airline gates and amenities similar to Concourse B. The existing Concourse C/D was rehabilitated in 2005-2006 and 2011 to extend its service until it can be replaced.
Fourth Runway
This project adds a fourth runway and paves the way for a future fifth runway. The fourth runway is a north-south runway, approximately 9,400 feet long and 150 feet wide. Construction began in 2006 and the runway entered operational service on November 20, 2008.
Future Fifth Runway
The fifth runway will be an east-west runway approximately 10,500 feet long and 150 feet wide. It will be parallel to existing runway 12-30 near the south side of the Airport. Construction dates for the fifth runway will be set in the future.
International Arrivals Building Expansion
The expansion of the existing facility allows the Customs and Border Protection Services to serve approximately 2,400 passengers per hour--nearly double that of its previous capacity. Baggage claim devices were enlarged and new primary inspection positions were added. Skylights and a large window area allow natural light to filter into the space providing a more welcoming entry to the United States. The project was completed in September 2011, and improvements through the baggage recheck and passenger greeting areas were completed in Spring 2012.
Main Terminal Improvements
Renovation of both the ticketing and baggage claim levels of the original 1962 section of the Main Terminal was completed in 2005. Ticket counter kiosks and baggage claim devices were upgraded to match the facilities in the east and west extensions of the Main Terminal. A new below-grade baggage basement was added to support expanded baggage handling systems.
Main Terminal AeroTrain Station
The Main Terminal AeroTrain Station represents a major expansion on the airfield side of the Main Terminal. But since it was constructed about 60 feet below ground, exterior views of the Main Terminal remain unblocked. The station spans the entire length of the Main Terminal (about 1,600 feet) and has four distinct levels: Departures, Arrivals, Security Mezzanine, and Train Platform. The Security Mezzanine opened on September 15, 2009. The Train Platform opened along with the AeroTrain system on January 26, 2010.
Parking Garages
This project provided two five-level parking garages close to the Terminal. The 1.2 million square foot Daily Garage 2 opened in 2002, with parking for approximately 3,700 cars. The 1.5 million square foot Daily Garage 1 opened in 2003, with parking for approximately 4,800 cars. Both garages are connected to the Main Terminal with walkways.
Passenger Walkway
This walkway provides passengers with an alternative path between the Main Terminal and Concourses A and B. It is equipped with moving sidewalks in each direction. The walkway crosses underneath a set of airplane taxiways and has escalators and elevators at each end. The project included the construction of a structural shell and architectural finishes for the tunnel.
Roadway Improvements
Traffic lanes and signaling devices have been added to improve the efficiency of the Airport roadways. Roads and ramps connecting the Airport Access Highway have been improved and the circle in front of the Main Terminal has been expanded to include additional travel lanes and entrances to the parking facilities.
Runway 12-30 Reconstruction
Runway 12-30 opened 1962 and the original pavement required replacement. This project demolished and reconstructed the runway in a single phase. In the process, additional drainage features and strength improvements were added, accommodating aircraft much heavier than those estimated in the original design. The project was completed over the summer of 2004.
Permanent Z-Gates
The Z-gates provide convenient access to flights from a concourse located adjacent to the Main Terminal. They were constructed to replace temporary T-gates. The first completed phase of the Z-gates is located to the east of the airport’s original Airport Traffic Control Tower. The building features gates furnished with counters, holdrooms, restrooms, concessions, airline operations offices and other terminal services.