RDU's Terminal C To Undergo Renovations

has some space to fill now that Midway Airlines is gone.

American Airlines is currently the lone airline in

Terminal C

; however, RDU officials said do not look for any Terminal A airlines to move over to Terminal C just yet.

Soon, the north end of Terminal C, which is comprised of about 12 gates, will be closed off for renovations. The end of the terminal, which was home to Midway, was built as a hub, so it needs to be changed to accommodate more airlines.

"We're going to be adding gates, ticket counters and reconstructing the facility to accommodate new security requirements," said Mindy Hamlin, RDU spokeswoman.

Convenience will be a major factor in the new plans.

"It'll also be constructed so that passengers move through the airport easily, so they won't be inconvenienced by new security measures," Hamlin said.

The renovation is still in the planning stages, but Hamlin said the project should be completed in about three years.

She said closing off part of the terminal now will benefit passengers in the long run.

"Normally, a project of this magnitude takes about 8 to 10 years. Since we don't have airlines currently in those gates and we don't have as much passenger traffic, we're able to speed that process up," Hamlin said.

The actual renovation of Terminal C is scheduled to start late next year. Parking garage 4, which will contain 6,000 spaces, will be finished in November 2003.