CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, along with the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) and construction partners, gathered to celebrate the beginning of vertical construction on The New Concourse D at O'Hare International Airport. This expansion, which will add 19 gates to the world's busiest airfield, is expected to be completed by late 2028.

To mark this significant milestone, Mayor Johnson signed a ceremonial "first beam" alongside CDA leaders and construction lead AECOM Hunt Clayco Bowa. This marks a major step forward in O'Hare's long-term modernization plan, known as ORDNext.

In his statement, Mayor Johnson emphasized the importance of O'Hare as a global hub and an engine of opportunity for Chicago. He stated that for over 70 years, O'Hare has been a key driver of the city's economy and this new phase of expansion will launch the next 70 years of Chicago's global business dominance and local career opportunities.

The City of Chicago broke ground on this project in August 2025 and has since completed approximately 35% of the foundational work. This includes more than 90% of the deep foundation elements, known as caissons. These large reinforced concrete shafts are drilled deep into the ground to provide structural support. In the coming weeks, a 195-foot-tall tower crane will be installed at the center of O'Hare's airfield, marking the transition to vertical construction for this 73-foot-tall facility.

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Aviation Commissioner Michael McMurray also spoke about this achievement, stating that achieving O'Hare's status as the world's busiest airfield has taken years of planning. He added that this start of vertical construction is a visible demonstration of their efforts to expand its efficiency and comfort in a fiscally responsible way.

The New Concourse D is just one phase of ORDNext program which also includes plans for a future Concourse E and a new Global Terminal that will replace Terminal 2 at O'Hare International Airport. Construction on these projects is expected to begin in spring 2026.

The construction team of AECOM Hunt Clayco Bowa, who are responsible for The New Concourse D, have a current construction value of $1.45 billion. Eric Howe of AECOM Hunt Clayco Bowa spoke about the opportunities this project will bring, stating that it will create new jobs for union trades and provide apprentice, journeyman, and foreman opportunities. He also emphasized their commitment to developing trade careers and supporting minority contractor partners.

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The New Concourse D will feature 19 gates for narrow-body aircraft with the flexibility to convert 18 of them into nine wide-body gates as needed. Plans also include over 20,000 square feet of lounge space, 30,000 square feet of retail and dining space, and a 450-square-foot children's play area.

Since the start of the CDA's current capital program at O'Hare, the City of Chicago has spent more than $830 million with certified minority- and women-owned businesses. This includes $634 million with MBEs and $196 million with WBEs, resulting in an overall participation rate of 36.2%. This has not only created thousands of jobs but has also provided opportunities for a highly skilled community workforce.

The New Concourse D is expected to serve as a premier civic engine by creating more job opportunities in construction, supporting minority- and women-owned businesses, and providing direct pathways into skilled trades and aviation careers for Chicago's next generation. Those interested in construction bid opportunities can visit ORD21.com/bids for more information.

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