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The Greater Toronto Airports Authority is now well into its comprehensive Airport Development Program, which will replace Terminals 1 and 2 with a single new terminal (now called Terminal New, or T-New, by the planners). The building program means that:

The reason for the construction is to provide the Greater Toronto Area with a facility that serves as the gateway to the region, to Canada and to northeastern North America. It is expected that by next year, LBPIA will handle 29 million passengers. The first phase of Terminal New will be completed in 2003, ensuring that passengers depart and arrive from an impressive, attractive, efficient terminal that is easily accessible by road and public transit.

Much of the construction activity now underway at LBPIA is complex; it will provide the underpinning for the exciting buildings and facilities that you will start to see upon completion. Here are some of the highlights of the activity now underway:

Terminal Building and Garage -- Bulk excavation for the new terminal is well under way. The new terminal will provide a tri-level road system and a new 12,500 space parking garage.

Dual Taxiways -- Taxiways enable the planes to move between the gates and the runways, as well as to and from the new deicing facilities. Fuel lines, drainage and electrical lines must also be constructed. Construction of these taxiways commenced in spring and will be completed in August.

New Runway (06R-24L) -- This work, which began last year and will be finished in October 2000, involves removing existing facilities, moving the topsoil, cutting and filling and adding storm sewers, culverts and duct banks. Work is now going on seven days a week, 24 hours per day.

Central Deicing Facility (CDF) -- In accordance with safety regulations the GTAA is completing a centralized deicing facility. This year, two new deicing pads are being added to the four completed pads. In the past, planes have been deiced at the gates, only to have to repeat the process because of changes in takeoff times. Construction of the CDF will be complete in October.

Runway upgrade -- By July, work to add new lighting and ice sensors should be complete. Work on upgrading the runway known as 15L/33R started in May.

Infield Tunnel -- This work started in spring and will be completed in 2000. The tunnel will let traffic move from existing terminal areas to the new area being developed in the infield, without disrupting air traffic.

Infield Development -- Work here will involve developing the infield terminal, cargo facilities and Canadian Airlines International Ltd. Hangar and flight kitchens. The work will continue until late 2001.

Fuel Line -- Work is ongoing to build a fuel line to supply aircraft in the infield area.

Storm Water Management -- Between this August and July 2000 we will be improving our environmental system to prevent runoff, ensure erosion control and increase water quality enhancing processes.

Other activities -- Other work scheduled for this year includes building of a "forcemain" (pipeline) for deicing glycol, construction of a duct bank system leading to the planned electrical centre and further extension of taxiways.