Chicago City Wire

Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed, “Today marks a significant step forward in redefining the travel experience at O'Hare International Airport through the ElevateT3 project. This transformative initiative not only boosts our infrastructure but also strengthens Chicago's position as a global aviation leader, thanks to substantial support from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”

FAA Associate Administrator for Airports, Shannetta R. Griffin, P.E., stated, “Supported by funding from the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Terminal 3 Improvements will include the latest technology, provide enhanced energy efficiencies and reduced emissions. This project will have a significant impact on the people who travel in and out of Chicago O’Hare and change the lives of those in the Chicago community as a whole.”

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) noted, “With today’s official groundbreaking, we’re embarking on a journey towards enhancing the efficiency, safety, and accessibility of one of the busiest airports in the world. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this initiative will not only create thousands of jobs, but it will also bolster our economy and invest in the future success of O’Hare, the state, and the region.”

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) emphasized, “That’s why I’m pleased Senator Durbin and I were able to work with the Illinois Congressional Delegation, through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to help secure $90 million in federal funding for the Terminal 3 Improvement Project. After years of neglecting our nation’s infrastructure, I’m proud every day to see the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law at work rebuilding infrastructure all across our country. But if we’re going to keep O’Hare’s status as one of the best airports in the country – and the world – we can’t let up.”

Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL) highlighted, “I’m proud to have helped secure funds for this project as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. These renovations will improve terminal accessibility, update amenities, expand concessions, and create jobs. I look forward to continued collaboration with state and local partners on projects that rebuild our infrastructure, improve our economy, and strengthen our communities.”

American Airlines Executive Vice President Nate Gatten expressed, “These improvements will contribute to a more efficient operation and an upgraded travel experience for our customers. We thank the Biden-Harris administration and the FAA for their support of airport modernization, as well Mayor Brandon Johnson and the CDA for their continued partnership.”

CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee stated, “ElevateT3 is an investment in Chicago’s communities, and under Mayor Johnson’s leadership, we intend to work with our partners in the construction community to transform developments like this into opportunities to build capacity and ultimately generational wealth among small, diverse business owners across Chicago’s 77 community areas.”

The project is expected to last for just over three years, with an anticipated completion date of summer 2027. Construction will take a phased approach to allow continuous operations throughout Terminal 3 during construction.