New Sea-Tac construction projects approved

Relief to long security screening lines could be on the way at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) with improvements in the works over the next few years.

The Port of Seattle Commission authorized $159.5 million in funding this week for the SEA Gateway Project, which will modernize ticketing, security and baggage claim areas in the terminal’s north end.

The Port also approved funds for restroom renovations and $100 million in funding for the S Concourse Evolution, which is a “major” remodel to add amenities to existing spaces in that terminal.

Improvements to north end security come under Phase 2 of the SEA Gateway Project, which is expected to begin construction in the fourth quarter of 2022. Passenger throughput on the ticketing level will be reconfigured, and security checkpoints will increase from five lanes to six. There is the possibility of adding a seventh checkpoint lane in the future, according to SEA. Security screening checkpoint No. 5 will also be redesigned to add space and capacity.

The airport hopes the changes will significantly improve passenger processing.

Those improvements are expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2025.

The improvements come after travelers faced extended wait times at security checkpoints last month. Arriving cruise ships led to a spike in passengers as roughly 4,000 passengers were dropped off hourly at Sea-Tac on Sept. 18.

READ THE FUL STORY: