Morrisville, N.C. — A new terminal at Raleigh-Durham International Airport will change the travel experience for millions of passengers – as well as their waiting-to-travel experiences.

The north concourse of the new Terminal 2, which is replacing the red-roofed old Terminal C, is expected to open this summer, followed by the south concourse in late 2010. The $570 million project will encompass 900,000 square feet – three times the size of the former terminal – and will accommodate about 11 million passengers a year.

"We're very excited at the airport. This is the largest construction project in our history," RDU spokeswoman Mindy Hamlin said.

About 40 businesses will be located in the new terminal, creating a mall-like atmosphere. Hamlin said a few national chains will be mixed with some local names that most people will recognize.

"This concession program will be more than 44,000 square feet, which is the size of a small retail outlet," she said.

The retailers will be geared toward people looking to have a business meeting, families wanting to grab a bite or a flyer trying to buy a gift.

"This is a gateway to our region. We know that when people first fly into RDU, this is the first impression that they get," Hamlin said.

Dennis Edwards, president and chief executive of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, said first impressions with travelers are important for the region.

"What they're doing at RDU certainly reflects the type of service and experience that they're going to have here," Edwards said.

Carolina Ale House and 42nd Street Oyster Bar are two local restaurants that will have operations in the terminal.

"RDU wanted a taste of local flavor. They came to us, and we were excited to partner with them," said Mindy Amerson, spokeswoman for Carolina Ale House. "We're excited about the growth in the Triangle (and) just part of that exposure to all the new markets."

Other businesses lined up for the new terminal:

Restaurants

• Brookwood Farms
• Jason's Deli
• Moe's Southwest Grill
• McDonald's
• Brueggers Bagels
• KFC
• A&W
• Starbucks

Other Retail

• 2nd Edition Booksellers
• A Southern Season
• Borders Books
• Life is Good/Kids Works
• Anders Natural Soap
• Drugs & More
• Brooks Brothers
• PGA Tour Shop
• University News & Sports
• Taxco Sterling