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Cold weather delays opening of new RDU terminal

Cold weather has pushed back the opening of Terminal 1 at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, officials said Thursday.

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Raleigh-Durham International Airport
MORRISVILLE, N.C. — Cold weather has pushed back the opening of Terminal 1 at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, officials said Thursday.

The $68 million terminal was supposed to open March 2, but RDU says it's now unclear when it will open.

“Despite our best laid plans, our construction schedule for a major element of the project was no match for Mother Nature,” airport director Michael Landguth told the Airport Authority board. “The weather has made it impossible for crews to complete the aircraft parking area, which is an essential element of the project.”

Construction crews have completely ripped up the old ramp, where planes park, and cold temperatures have prevented them from pouring the pavement for the reconstructed ramp, Landguth said.

The new terminal will be able to accommodate 3 million passengers a year through nine gates. Southwest Airlines will occupy five of the gates, and the remaining four will allow other airlines to add flights in years to come.

The terminal will also offer expanded ticketing, security checkpoints and baggage claim areas and add shops, restaurants and other amenities for travelers.

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