How parking is changing at John Glenn International Airport

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A project costing over $400,000 will relocate and expand a parking lot at John Glenn International Airport, allowing for the construction of the airport's new terminal.

The Columbus Regional Airport Authority board approved a contract for the parking lot project at a meeting Feb. 27. Nelcore Construction was tapped by the airport authority to handle the expansion of the Green Lot. While the engineer's estimate for construction is $407,863, the completed contract is for the total of $443,000, narrowly beating another company's bid by just $4,000. The project was bid on in January.

The project will include relocating employee parking in the Blue Lot, east of the existing Cell Phone Lot, to the west portion of the Green Lot. These changes are necessary because the new John Glenn terminal will be built at the current location of the Blue and Cell Phone lots.

"In order to accommodate for the parking needs of Columbus passengers prior to the closing of the Blue Lot, CRAA is working to expand parking in the Green and Red parking lots," said Kristen Easterday, director of communications and public affairs for the airport authority. "Many passengers choose to park their vehicle at the airport when taking a trip. CRAA is working to expand parking options in other lots, so those needs can be met when the Blue Lot closes for the new terminal construction."

Being added as part of the parking lot project will be six bus shelters, concrete repairs and curb extensions at the entry/exit plaza, electrical and communication infrastructure upgrades, and parking lot striping.

The diversity goal for the project is 15%, but Nelcore has committed to 25% participation. Architectural Concrete Solutions has been selected as the contractor's diversity business partner.

Ground is expected to be broken on the terminal in early 2025, with the new terminal's opening projected for early 2029.