Airport authority breaks ground on $29M LVIA project

The Lehigh Northampton Airport Authority and other local officials broke ground today on a $29 million security point expansion and terminal connector at Lehigh Valley International Airport.

Up until this point an underground tunnel has been the connection for passengers between the main terminal and the departure building, said Tom Stoudt, executive director of the authority.

“The tunnel was never designed to implement Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening equipment post 9/11. The equipment keeps getting larger in size with enhancements that produce the highest level of security and safety,” said Stoudt.

He said as passenger traffic begins to increase from the COVID-19 slowdown, there will also be a need for a third passenger security screening lane to handle the volume.

The project consists of a four-lane security checkpoint with the latest-generation screening equipment provided by the TSA, plus new vertical circulation equipment and enhanced air purification. It also provides a separation of outbound and inbound passengers.

The airport project has received a number of transportation grants to assist with its completion.

Earlier this month, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Bureau of Aviation’s Aviation Transportation Assistance Program awarded a grant of $1.78 million for the project.

State Senator Pat Browne spoke at the event.

“Our neighborhood airport continues to undertake new and innovative projects, enhancing their already high-level of ease and convenience, while positioning the airport for a bright future,” Browne said.

The project is expected to be complete by 2023.