Florida is red-hot for new construction across all market segments, but one of the biggest commercial construction projects to hit the state is renovation of Tampa International Airport. The $943 million renovation will continue through 2017, and airport patrons can already feel the impact of these big changes.

Beginning today, taxi and bus stands on the east side of the lower level baggage claim area will be closing tomorrow. The closing is necessary so that construction can start inside the main terminal. Travelers who need taxis or bus service will find both options to the west of the baggage claim area, here operations have been temporarily relocated.

To make sure that the changes aren’t too hard for travelers, the airport hired new customer service representatives to help airport patrons adjust and to redirect traffic. Drivers picking up on curbsides to the west of baggage claim should watch out for more taxis and buses merging into the throughway and onto George J. Bean Parkway.

The Tampa Airport’s main terminal will be expanding by 55,000 square feet. The will be revamping all of the shopping and dining areas in the main terminal as well as all the airsides. In January, work will begin on the east side of the third-floor terminal.

The main terminal and sides of the airport where the shuttles are located will be blocked by a construction barrier. Only one shuttle will be operational during the renovation phase. Patrons seeking terminals A & C will experience doubled wait times of two minutes between shuttle trips.

The most expansive part of the renovation involves the constructionof a 2.3-million-aquare-foot consolidated rental car facility to the south of the main terminal. The rental facility will be connected to the main terminal via a new 1.3-mile automated people mover system.

Several design/build contractors were hired to participate in the Tampa International Airport renovation. Austin Commercial will oversee the rental car facility construction. Kimmins Contracting will handle the South Terminal Support Area renovation, which involves pavement reconstruction, signage and lighting. The Taxiway J bridge connecting the main terminal to the rental care facility will be built by Cone and Graham. Skanska is responsible for the main terminal transfer level expansion and alteration as well as the concessions spaces in the airsides.