Sweeney & Cryan Join in ‘Steel Topping’ Ceremony at Newark Liberty International Airport

Elizabeth – Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senator Joe Cryan today joined in the “steel topping” ceremony for Newark Airport’s Terminal One, marking the final phase of the steel infrastructure installation for the new facility which will double the number of passengers the existing Terminal A can accommodate.

“Newark Liberty International Airport is a world-class airport but the existing terminal needs to be upgraded and expanded to compete in the marketplace and better serve the needs of air travelers,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “The Terminal One construction project is putting people to work and contributing to economic activity and, when it is done, it will provide permanent jobs and ongoing economic opportunities. The new terminal will also play an important role in support of New Jersey’s infrastructure, our shipping capacity and transportation logistics, which are so important to the state’s economy. ”

The $2.7 billion project to replace the 45-year-old terminal will host 33 gates, be as large as 1 million square feet with a modern look and a more efficient layout. Operated by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, work on the project is expected to be finished in 2022.

“Terminal One will help maintain Newark Liberty Airport’s status as a world-class facility that is the primary destination for air travelers in our region,” said Senator Cryan (D-Union).  “This is an exciting time for Elizabeth and the entire area. Work on the project has created jobs and economic activity and the new facility will generate permanent jobs and ongoing economic growth.”

Opened in 1973, Terminal A is the airport’s oldest terminal and it does not support modern airline operational requirements. It was designed to serve only nine million passengers a year. The Port Authority projects 14 million passengers will use Terminal One by 2032. The initial 33 gates will serve more than 13 million passengers a year and could be expanded to 45 gates, making room for more than 19 million passengers.

The new facility will also include a multilevel parking garage with space for 3,000 cars, and a new walkway will connect the terminal with the AirTrain, giving passengers access to Amtrak and NJ Transit.