‘A Carefully Choreographed Dance’: O’hare Crews Execute Overnight Gate Switch To Advance ORDNext

'A Carefully Choreographed Dance': O'hare Crews Execute Overnight Gate Switch To Advance ORDNext

'A Carefully Choreographed Dance': O'hare Crews Execute Overnight Gate Switch To Advance ORDNext

B-Roll Available: https://youtu.be/oM1h8Cxkfao

CHICAGO - In a precisely coordinated overnight operation ahead of the July Fourth holiday weekend, construction crews at O'Hare International Airport reopened three Terminal 1 gates, shifted an active aircraft taxilane and closed two additional gates - all without disrupting airport operations.

Gates B1, B2 and B3 welcomed passengers Wednesday morning for the first time since last fall. The gates had been temporarily closed to support construction of The New Concourse D, the $1.455 billion, 19-gate expansion that will be the first major passenger facility delivered through ORDNext.

As the gates reopened, crews shifted the taxilane - the designated route aircraft use to maneuver between Concourses B and C - eastward. On the opposite side of Terminal 1, crews closed Gates C1 and C3 to prepare for construction of the bridge that will connect Concourse C to the future Concourse D.

"Building one of the largest airport expansions in North America in the heart of the world's busiest airfields is a carefully choreographed dance," said Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Michael McMurray. "In just a few overnight hours, our teams reopened gates, shifted an active taxilane and prepared the next phase of construction before the morning rush to kick off Independence Day weekend. That level of precision, coordination and expertise is how we are delivering ORDNext safely, efficiently and without disrupting the traveling public."

Gates B1, B2 and B3 had been closed since September 2025 to allow crews to complete underground utility work supporting Concourse D and other signature ORDNext projects, including The New Concourse E and the O'Hare Global Terminal. The overnight work was completed by AECOM Hunt Clayco Bowa, the construction manager for the 580,000-square-foot Concourse D.

"This milestone showcases our team's ingenuity and skill at applying cutting-edge construction approaches to ensure Concourse D stands as a model of innovation in airport infrastructure," said AECOM Hunt Clayco Bowa Senior Vice President Eric Howe. "Through every approach we take, we're demonstrating what's possible in the delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects. We're proud to continue moving forward with our commitment to deliver a new, next generation, future-ready Concourse D on time - and $21 million under budget."

Last week, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that the City of Chicago had reached an agreement with AECOM Hunt Clayco Bowa that will ensure Concourse D is constructed at least $21 million under budget. Concourse D remains on schedule for completion in late 2028.