Key Takeaways
• Bluegrass Airport will add over 900 parking spaces and build a new half-mile section of Terminal Drive.
• Bids for the project close May 20, 2025; contractors must meet FAA and DBE program requirements.
• Project improves traveler experience with new sidewalks, storm drainage, a sheltered walkway, and better traffic flow.
Bluegrass Airport in Lexington, Kentucky is moving forward with a major project that will change how people get to and park at the airport. This project, called the Terminal Drive Relocation and Parking Expansion, is designed to help the airport handle more travelers, make it easier for people to get in and out, and improve the overall experience for everyone who uses the airport. The changes are coming at a time when more people are flying in and out of Lexington than ever before, and the airport needs to keep up with this growth.
Who is involved? The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Airport Board (LFUCAB) is leading the project. They are working with contractors, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the local community to make sure everything goes smoothly.
What is happening? The airport is planning to add more than 900 new parking spaces, build a new section of Terminal Drive, and make other improvements like new sidewalks, landscaping, and better stormwater drainage.
When is it happening? The bidding process for the project is open until 2:00 p.m. local time on May 20, 2025. After that, the airport will choose a contractor and set a construction schedule.
Where is it happening? All the work will take place at Bluegrass Airport, which serves Lexington and the surrounding region.
Why is this important? The airport needs more parking and better roads to handle the growing number of travelers. These changes will make it easier for people to get to their flights, pick up loved ones, and use the airport’s services.
How will it happen? Contractors will bid on the project, and the airport will pick the best team to do the work. The project must follow strict rules set by the FAA and meet goals for including businesses owned by minorities and women.
Let’s take a closer look at what this project means for travelers, the community, and the future of Bluegrass Airport.
Project Details: What’s Changing at Bluegrass Airport?
The Terminal Drive Relocation and Parking Expansion project is one of the biggest upgrades the airport has seen in years. Here’s what’s included:
- Over 900 new parking spaces: This will make it much easier for travelers to find a spot, especially during busy times.
- A new half-mile section of Terminal Drive: This road will help cars move in and out of the airport more smoothly.
- 3,000 tons of new asphalt: This strong material will be used to build the new road and parking areas.
- A half-mile of storm sewer pipe: This will help manage rainwater and prevent flooding in the parking lots and roads.
- More than 7,000 square feet of new sidewalks and landscaping: These improvements will make the airport look better and be safer for people walking to and from their cars.
- A new utility corridor: This will provide space for important services like electricity, water, and communications.
- Over 5,000 feet of new curbs and gutters: These features help direct water away from roads and make the area safer for cars and pedestrians.
- 500 feet of sheltered walkway: Travelers will have a covered path to protect them from rain or sun as they walk between the parking lot and the terminal.
These changes are designed to make Bluegrass Airport more comfortable and convenient for everyone who uses it.
The Bidding Process and Timeline
The airport board is currently accepting bids from contractors who want to build the new parking and road improvements. Here’s how the process works:
- Mandatory pre-bid conference: All contractors who want to bid had to attend a meeting on April 22, 2025. This meeting made sure everyone understood the project’s requirements.
- Bid submission deadline: Contractors must submit their sealed bids by 2:00 p.m. on May 20, 2025. After that, the airport will open the bids and read them out loud in a public meeting.
- Choosing a contractor: The airport will pick the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. This means the winning contractor must not only offer a good price but also show they can do the work safely and correctly.
- Next steps: Once a contractor is chosen, the airport will announce a construction schedule and let the public know when work will begin.
This careful process helps make sure the project is done right and that public money is spent wisely.
Why Is the Project Needed?
Bluegrass Airport has seen steady growth in the number of people flying in and out of Lexington. More travelers mean more cars, more need for parking, and more pressure on the roads leading to the terminal. The current parking lots sometimes fill up, especially during holidays or big events. This can make it stressful for travelers who are worried about missing their flights.
The new parking expansion will add over 900 spaces, which is a big increase from the 800 spaces discussed in earlier community meetings. This extra capacity will help the airport keep up with demand and make it easier for people to find a spot.
The new section of Terminal Drive will also help cars move more smoothly through the airport area. Right now, traffic can get backed up, especially during busy times. The new road will help spread out the traffic and make it easier for people to get to their flights or pick up friends and family.
Regulatory Oversight and Business Inclusion
The Terminal Drive Relocation and Parking Expansion project is not just a local effort. It is part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which helps airports across the United States 🇺🇸 pay for important upgrades. This means the project must follow strict federal rules, including those found in Part 152 of the FAA’s regulations.
One important rule is that the airport must try to include businesses owned by minorities and women in the project. This is called the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. For this project, the airport has set a goal that at least 4.8% of the work should go to DBE firms for the years 2024, 2025, and 2026. If a contractor can’t meet this goal, they must show they made a real effort to include these businesses.
This focus on fairness and inclusion helps make sure that everyone in the community has a chance to benefit from the airport’s growth.
How Will the Project Affect Travelers?
For most travelers, the biggest change will be the increased parking options. Right now, Bluegrass Airport offers several types of parking:
- Short-Term Parking: $16 per day. The first 30 minutes are free, 31-60 minutes cost $2.00, and each extra hour is $1.00.
- Long-Term Parking: $13 per day. The first 30 minutes are free, 31-60 minutes cost $2.00, and each extra hour is $1.00.
- Valet Parking: $22 per day.
All parking rates include a 6% sales tax, and the airport does not accept cash—only credit or debit cards. There is also a free cell phone waiting area on Terminal Drive for people waiting to pick up arriving passengers.
With the new parking expansion, travelers will have a much easier time finding a spot, even during busy times. The new sheltered walkway will also make it more comfortable to walk from the parking lot to the terminal, especially in bad weather.
For more information about current parking rates and options, travelers can visit the official Bluegrass Airport parking page.
Community Engagement and Long-Term Planning
The Terminal Drive Relocation and Parking Expansion project is part of a bigger plan to keep Bluegrass Airport growing and improving. In 2023, the airport held community meetings to get feedback from the public about what changes were needed. Amy Caudill, the airport’s Vice President of Marketing, said at the time that the airport was in the “dream phase” of planning for big changes, including possibly expanding the terminal itself.
This project follows other recent improvements, like the Taxiway Safety Enhancement Program finished in 2021. That project realigned the main taxiway, built new support buildings, and added a new taxiway to help planes move more safely and efficiently. Over the past ten years, the airport has invested about $100 million in upgrades to keep up with growing demand.
These efforts show that the airport is committed to serving the community and making sure it can handle more travelers in the future.
What Does This Mean for the Local Economy?
Big projects like the Terminal Drive Relocation and Parking Expansion are important for the local economy. They create jobs for construction workers, engineers, and other professionals. They also help local businesses that supply materials and services to the project.
When the airport is easier to use, more people are likely to fly in and out of Lexington. This brings more visitors to the area, which helps hotels, restaurants, and shops. It also makes it easier for local businesses to connect with customers and partners in other cities.
By improving the airport, Lexington can attract more events, conferences, and business opportunities. This helps the whole community grow and prosper.
How Does This Project Fit Into National Airport Trends?
Airports across the United States 🇺🇸 are facing similar challenges as more people travel for work and fun. Many airports are expanding parking, improving roads, and making terminals bigger to keep up with demand. The FAA’s Airport Improvement Program helps airports pay for these upgrades, making sure they can serve travelers safely and efficiently.
Bluegrass Airport’s project is a good example of how local airports are planning for the future. By investing in parking expansion and better roads now, the airport is making sure it can handle more travelers for years to come.
For more information about the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program and how it supports airport projects, visit the FAA’s official AIP page.
What Happens Next?
After the bid deadline on May 20, 2025, the airport will review all the proposals and choose a contractor. Once the contractor is selected, the airport will announce when construction will start and how long it will take. Travelers should expect some changes to parking and traffic patterns during construction, but the airport will provide updates to help everyone plan ahead.
The airport will also continue to work with the community, the FAA, and local businesses to make sure the project goes smoothly. As reported by VisaVerge.com, projects like this are key to helping airports keep up with growing demand and provide a better experience for travelers.
What Should Travelers and Community Members Do Now?
- Stay informed: Watch for updates from Bluegrass Airport about construction schedules and changes to parking or traffic.
- Plan ahead: If you’re flying during construction, allow extra time to find parking and get to the terminal.
- Share feedback: The airport values input from travelers and the community. If you have suggestions or concerns, reach out to the airport’s customer service team.
- Support local businesses: Many local companies will be involved in the project. Supporting them helps the whole community.
Conclusion: A Brighter Future for Bluegrass Airport
The Terminal Drive Relocation and Parking Expansion project is a big step forward for Bluegrass Airport and the Lexington community. By adding more parking, improving roads, and making the airport easier to use, the project will help travelers, local businesses, and the entire region.
As the airport continues to grow, these improvements will make sure it can serve more people safely and comfortably. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a local resident, or a business owner, these changes will make Bluegrass Airport a better gateway to Lexington and beyond.
For the latest updates on the project and other airport news, visit the official Bluegrass Airport website.
Learn Today
Terminal Drive Relocation → Moving and rebuilding the main access road for better traffic flow within Bluegrass Airport.
FAA → Federal Aviation Administration, the U.S. agency overseeing airport safety and development regulations.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise → A federal program requiring inclusion of minority- and women-owned businesses in public contracts.
Storm sewer pipe → Underground piping designed to drain rainwater and prevent flooding at the airport.
Bidding process → The formal procedure for contractors to submit proposals to build the airport improvements.
This Article in a Nutshell
Bluegrass Airport is expanding parking with over 900 new spaces and updating Terminal Drive. This major upgrade will ease travel and improve safety. Construction bids close May 20, 2025, with a strong focus on inclusivity and federal regulations. The project prepares the airport for growing passenger demand and community benefit.
— By VisaVerge.com
