Reagan National Airport Gets an Upgrade | Kensington Glass Arts, Inc.

Improvements are coming to Ronald Reagan National Airport as construction begins on the 3-year, $1 billion, multi-phase expansion project simply titled “Project Journey.” The plans include a new concourse with 14 new gates, 28 new security lanes and will ultimately provide passengers with greater connectivity, more shopping and dining choices as well as an improved post-security environment.

Kensington Glass Arts, Inc. (KGa) was selected by Turner Construction to participate in the glass and glazing work associated with the National Hall retail center phase of Project Journey.

This phase is designed to turn the National Hall retail center into a post-security area. Currently, travel through the airport from the National Hall to other gates requires exiting the secure area and subsequently passing through another security screening checkpoint.

The current process is inefficient and does not allow passengers to enjoy the many eating establishments and shopping opportunities the National Hall has to offer. The new Secure National Hall will also eliminate Gate35X which currently requires travelers to take a shuttle bus to get to their planes. The addition of the 28 new security checkpoints will help ease the congestion in other areas.

The National Hall retail center phase will require the installation of large panels of laminated glass, set on the edge of the concourse level, overlooking lower level passenger gates and custom metal security screens from the top of the glass to the ceilings.

This will create that secure barrier that allows for continued security and eliminates multiple security checkpoints. The addition of the custom metal security screens will allow for a better experience when traveling through Reagan National.

Because the work needs to be coordinated and performed during low traffic times at the airport, most of it is performed at night and requires coordination among multiple trades including, steel, terrazzo, electricians and glaziers all working in harmony to complete tasks in the least disruptive way possible.

There are almost 300 panels of glass, many of which weigh over 600 pounds, that need to be delivered, staged throughout the airport and set in place while the continued operation of the airport remains intact.

KGa is pleased to have been recognized as the firm that could communicate, coordinate, plan and execute this large-scale renovation. We look forward to seeing this renovation transform and improve the experiences of travelers passing through Washington, DC.