New North Bridge Opens for Traffic Tomorrow Morning
The northern overcrossing between Terminal A and Terminal C, which goes over the Terminal B bypass now under construction, will open for traffic early Wednesday morning, September 24, completing nine months of construction that started with pile driving in January. This will change traffic patterns for drivers using the airport roadway, especially those leaving the Terminal A garage and the Rental Car Center.

There will be several traffic switches associated with the bridge opening, and here’s the link to a map of the new airport roadway configuration. And here’s a photo of the North Loop Overcrossing.

Traffic using the new bridge will be able to directly exit the airport ONLY via Airport Parkway to Highway 101 (unless you loop around the airport roadway again).

The lanes closest to the terminals can continue to leave the airport via Coleman Avenue, Skyport Boulevard, or Airport Parkway.

Vehicles leaving the Terminal A Garage, Rental Car Center, and Long-Term Parking will have the option of using either the bridge or the lanes that run to the west, closest to the terminals.

The south exit plaza from the Terminal A Garage will take you directly to the new bridge, and therefore you’ll leave the airport via Airport Parkway. The other two garage exits will continue to have all three airport exit options available.

Vehicles leaving Terminal A Departures and Arrivals curbs will continue to use the right-hand lanes, closest to the terminals, rather than the new bridge. All three exit options remain available from these lanes.

The free VTA Airport Flyer (Route #10) will stop at the south end of the Terminal A Departures curb (near the International Arrivals Building), as well as in front of Terminal C.

The Airport’s roadways generally will remain in this configuration until the end of 2010 when the new garage and roads are fully completed. In 2009 the Southern Loop Overcrossing will be open to traffic as well as Inner and Outer South Loops.

New Ground Transportation Median Opens in front of Terminal C
We’re also opening the new Ground Transportation Median in front of Terminal C and across from new Terminal B. This is where the Airport’s blue shuttles, hotel courtesy vans, and other shuttles will drop off and pick up passengers. Taxis will continue to be available at the south end of the Terminal C baggage claim area.

Temporary Bypass to Terminal C Will Stay Open
Good news for drivers: The temporary bypass to Terminal C that we opened this summer for the Terminal A road construction will remain open for about another year. Our project engineers and contractors have found a solution that will keep the popular bypass available for drivers while we continue to rebuild the roadways and the new garage. The temporary bypass now is scheduled to be closed next summer or fall to allow for the construction of the permanent bypass. Drivers going to Terminal C can continue to avoid the loop around the Terminal A garage.

New Terminal B Taking Shape with Steel Framework
The steel framework is quickly showing the outline for the new Terminal B. This phase of construction should be completed in December. The framework for the new building wraps around the south end of the North Concourse, which will be integrated with the new terminal. Terminal B will hold the ticketing lobby, security check-in, and baggage claim operations for the twelve gates in the combined terminal and concourse. Terminal B remains on schedule for opening in mid-2010. Here’s a photo of the early stages of work on the steel frame.

TSA to Fund $18.1 Million for Terminal A Baggage System
The City of San Jose and TSA signed an agreement this month that commits $18.1 million in federal funds for a state-of-the-art in-line baggage explosive detection system (EDS) for Terminal A, representing 90% of allowable project costs. The baggage screening system constructed with this funding will contribute to making the New Airport more secure, convenient, and efficient for travelers, airlines, and TSA. The new system at Terminal A is scheduled to be in operation by fall 2009, marking the completion of the terminal’s overall upgrade.

The City will pursue a second TSA funding application for the Terminal B baggage screening system in the coming federal fiscal year that begins next month.

New Construction Photos
Current construction photos of the work at the New Airport can be found in the Construction Update section at SJC September Construction Photos. We’re making good progress on the major elements of the Terminal Area Improvement Program, and we continue to stay on track to finish on schedule and on budget in 2010.

Airport Construction "Hot Line" at (408) 501-0630
For current information about construction impacts to the airport, call (408) 501-0630. We’ll update the recorded message to help our passengers as we make changes affecting roads, terminals, and parking at SJC over the next two years.

Construction Schedules are Subject to Change
Because the $1.3 billion project to replace and upgrade the SJC terminal area is complex and moving very fast, our construction schedules are subject to continuing revision. We will keep updating the public and our customers about the project details as they occur, but please bear with us as we adjust schedules for the project. We appreciate your patience, and thank you for flying San José while we build The New Airport for you.