February 15, 2008

City demolishes north end of Mineta San Jose airport terminal C

Demolition of the north end of Terminal C at Mineta San Jose International Airport began on Tuesday to clear the site for the start of construction of the airport's new Terminal B.

Over the next month, construction crews will work nights from about 10:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. to take down the structural frame of the building, remove debris and prepare the site for new construction.
The north end was closed in December so that crews could remove interior and exterior materials and prepare this section of the building for demolition.

"We're doing most of the work at night to make it easier for our customers at Terminal C and to minimize any disruption to airport operations and the public," said Dave Maas, SJC deputy director for Airport Planning and Development.

"One of our top priorities during such a large and complex project is to make sure that passengers can continue to count on the great convenience and service of our airport."

The work is part of the airport's comprehensive $1.3 billion program to replace and renovate all the terminal facilities, roadways and parking over the next two-and-a-half years. When Terminal B is placed in service in mid-2010, the remainder of Terminal C will be removed so that the final section of the new terminal roadway can be completed.

To get ready for partial demolition of Terminal C, the airport began modifications last summer that included installing an innovative information technology system that enables multiple airlines to share ticket counters and gates; consolidating three TSA security checkpoints into one central checkpoint; and relocation of aircraft gates in the terminal.

The final step was completed in early December when the checkpoints and equipment were moved and reinstalled overnight. Terminal C will remain stable in this configuration until the remainder of the building is torn down in late 2010.

Terminal C's central building was built in 1965 and is the oldest structure in the airport's terminal zone. The north end of the terminal was built in the early 1970s to accommodate airport growth and provide more space for airline ticket counters.

In addition to the new Terminal B, the airport's terminal area improvement program includes:

* expansion and upgrades at Terminal A this year that will provide more spacious waiting areas and faster security check-in systems;

* a new 3,350-space rental car and public parking garage across the street from Terminal B;

* more options for quality food, beverage, and retail services; and

* improved access and roadways serving the airport.

When completed in mid-2010, the new airport will provide better service and greater convenience for the benefit of travelers and businesses in the South Bay. Hensel Phelps Construction Company is overseeing both design and construction for most of the elements of the new airport.

For more airport information, visit www.sjc.org, or call Airport Customer Service at (408) 501-0979.
Motorists can also tune their radios to 530 AM within two miles of SJC for current information on airport traffic, parking and security.