LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- Big changes are coming to the Little Rock National Airport over the next few weeks.
Crews have already begun $53.6 million dollars worth of improvements to the airport's existing facilities. It's called the 20/20 Vision Plan.
Projects in the first phase will include a new two-story baggage matrix building and terminal renovations, a new inline baggage screening system, system upgrades, surveillance enhancements, security checkpoint expansion, new communications center and flight information display system.
Beginning Tuesday, August 23rd travelers will notice some delays in the security checkpoints.
"What folks need to know is where we're going to be changing from four lanes down to three lanes so what that means for the traveling public is there are going to be some real busy times so we need their help to make their travels safe and get them through as quicky as possible," says Jerry Henderson with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Officials are recommending that everyone to arrive at least 90 minutes ahead of time. And you can speed up the process of getting through security by making sure you pack properly.
"Larger liquids and gels need to go in your check baggage," says Henderson. "We also have what we call the 3-1-1 rule. Small liquids and gels can come through but they need to be in a one quart sealable bag. Again, that needs to come out so we don't have to see in your bag."
Additional staff will be added to help get passengers through the security checkpoints as quickly as possible.
"We're going to expand the footprint of the checkpoint to add additional machines and we're also going to expand the footprint to better stage people," says Ron Mathieu.
Mathieu is executive director of the Little Rock Airport. He says the upgrades to the checkpoints are just a small part of the effort to make the Little Rock National Airport a first-class facility.
Nearly half of the cost of Phase 1 will be paid for with passenger facility charge (PFC) funds. Federal stimulus funds via the TSA will cover another 17.4 million, while future PFCs are slated to fund $9.6 million. The airport itself is paying for almost 6% with $3.1 million in cash.
Visit www.2020visionplan.net for more details on the upcoming renovations.