November marks two years since crews started the billion dollar expansion project at Tampa International Airport.
- Tampa International Airport expansion project set to finish by end of 2017
- SkyConnect train being tested by Japan Engineers
- The train is a 1.4 mile people mover to help shuttle passengers at the airport
Officials said the project is on schedule and running smoothly. So far, more than 20 new shops and restaurants have opened at the airport. And crews have almost finished laying down the foundation and tracks for a 1.4 mile people mover.
Engineers in Japan are currently testing the new train, SkyConnect, that will go on those tracks. TIA’s Director of Construction said they recently sent a group to Japan to see the train.
“They say it looks awesome,” said TIA Director of Construction John Mallory. “They’ve never done a train like we’ve done before. We’ve got birds we’re putting on the sides. We’ve been working with Audubon and some of the other local societies to put some regional birds on the sides where they’ll be in flight.”
The SkyConnect trains are expected to be shipped to Tampa in the spring. Once all the work is complete, the train will take passengers from the main terminal to the economy parking lot and a brand new rental facility, which is already taking shape.
Inside the main terminal, the airport has added hundreds of new power charing stations for passengers. Crews are expected to be completed with the entire project by the end of 2017.