A new phase of work on Newark Liberty International Airport’s Terminal B modernization is slated to start next month with the recent award of a $58.9 million contract to create a new mid-level domestic departures hall.
The contract was awarded to VRH Construction Corp. of Englewood, which was the lowest responsible bidder among six submissions received by the Port Authority. The project is expected to take about two-and-a-half years, with completion scheduled in the second quarter of 2012. Port Authority officials recently opened a sprawling, new domestic baggage claim area on the lower level of Terminal B, which will allow the old claim area to be converted into the new domestic departures hall.

This new work will include installation of new check-in counters, baggage handling systems and airline offices, and is part of the Port Authority’s overall $324.6 million project to modernize and enlarge Terminal B’s facilities. These efforts are designed to accommodate future passenger growth.

Papp Iron Works has been awarded the contract for both the structural alterations and miscellaneous metals associated with the Terminal B modernization project.

Opened in 1973, the terminal continues to grow. The international portion is operated by the Port Authority and includes 15 aircraft gates at the B-2 and B-3 satellites, as well as a 250,000 square-foot federal inspections area. The B-1 satellite includes nine gates and is managed by Delta and Northwest Airlines.
“A new departure hall at Terminal B is a critical part of our modernization program at Newark Liberty and will help ready the facility for the expected growth in fliers,’’ said Anthony Coscia, the Port Authority’s chairman. “With [this] action, the agency is delivering on its commitment to keep Newark Liberty a world-class hub.”
“This project will ease the congestion that domestic fliers using Terminal B have experienced with the growth of Newark Liberty,’’ said Christopher O. Ward, the Port Authority’s executive director. “We look forward to the completion of this important project.”
Susan Bass Levin, the agency’s deputy executive director, said, “This project represents our continued commitment to economic development in Newark, Elizabeth and the region.” Susan Bass Levin, the agency’s deputy executive director said.”

Article (with bold & italics section added) reprinted from NJ Business magazine a publication of NJ business & Industry Association