By Bill Parry
The much anticipated reconstruction of LaGuardia Airport got underway Wednesday with the closure of the long-term parking Lot P3. Travelers can continue to park in lots P2, P4 and P5, which provide easy access to Terminals B, C and D. However, P2 will close July 8, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
A new long-term Lot P10 will be opening this summer.
LaGuardia Airport staff will seek to manage parking demand during the $4.2 billion construction project that will replace the main Terminal B with a central hall and concourse that will, for the first time, create a unified airport. Travelers are encouraged to allow extra travel time or consider using public transportation.
That work is scheduled to be partially completed and open to passengers in 2019, with full completion 18 months later.
Meanwhile, LaGuardia Gateway Partners together with the Port Authority, have signed a lease agreement and achieved financing for the public-private partnership redevelopment of Terminal B. The lease began Wednesday and continues through 2050.
“We are committed to delivering this project on time and within budget, while keeping communities engaged and informed,” LaGuardia Gateway Partners CEO Stewart Steeves said. “Our focus on delivering a great customer experience is rooted in knowing that an airport terminal is the first and last experience a passenger may have when visiting a city and region. We will build and operate a facility that New Yorkers can be proud of.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
