SYRACUSE — Crews have started work on the first phase of a $48.8 million construction project to turn Syracuse Hancock International Airport into a “modern-day facility.” 

The project includes a “wide-scale” redesign and reconstruction of the terminal building, the office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a news release issued Oct. 17.

It will offer travelers a more modern and spacious airport, with the terminal itself increasing by 14,500 square feet. 

The project, which is scheduled to conclude in the fall of 2018, will create more than 850 construction jobs. 

Cuomo first announced the initiative during his State of the State message in January.

“Across the state we are investing in revitalizing and rebuilding our deteriorating airports and transforming them into vital gateways,” Cuomo contended. “With this project to revamp the Syracuse Hancock International Airport, we are investing in a state-of-the-art facility worthy of the Empire State that will greet passengers flying into Central New York for generations to come.”

Total construction costs will amount to $48.8 million, including state funding of $35.8 million, federal funding of $9.1 million, and $3.9 million from Syracuse Regional Airport Authority and Onondaga County.

The announcement complements “Central New York Rising,” the region’s “comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development.”

Project details

The new project includes the removal of the existing overhead precast concrete drive-thru canopy along the front of the terminal to address longstanding maintenance issues and open the space in front of the terminal for natural light. 

Workers are moving nearly 5,000 tons of material from the site “immediately to further advance” construction throughout the fall. 

The new terminal will include new amenities to “improve the travel experience,” the governor says. The amenities include “better” food, beverage, and retail options; e-ticketing; and “upgraded” ticketing counters and baggage claim areas. 

Crews will add more than 140,000 square feet of new terrazzo flooring to the facility’s downstairs section.

In addition, workers will install more than 25,000 square feet of new glass during the project, along with a new, 650-foot-long canopy with LED (light-emitting diode) lights. Those lights will keep cars and passengers “protected from the elements” during arrival and departure, Cuomo’s office contends.

Above the passenger drop-off area, two renovated glass pedestrian bridges will provide passengers using mobile airline tickets a “more efficient” route, connecting them “directly to flights by skipping the ticketing lines.” 

The airport’s exterior will feature perforated steel panels that are supposed to “withstand” inclement weather; “energy efficient” windows; and a new rainwater-collection system. 

Crews will also outfit the airport with “energy efficient” lighting and rooftop solar arrays.