Nantucket Memorial Airport Terminal News
MAY 5 TO MAY 9

WEEKLY UPDATE Terminal addition steel framing goes up Starting last week, a crew from Novell Steel of New Hampshire put up the first parts of the east addition's frame using a large crane. Additionally, work crews completed demolition of the northeast end of the control tower.

During this week and next, Novell Steel will continue erection of the steel frame of the addition and expects to complete that work on May 16 with a topping off ceremony, the installation of the final top ridge member of the frame. Closing in of the addition will begin shortly after the frame is up. Also, running parallel to all work at the site is the bidding process for 28 subcontractors with only around five more to be selected.

The airport expansion's Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design analysis is also moving forward. An update is expected at the May 13 Airport Commission meeting.

TRAVELER IMPACT The two more temporary trailers that the airport is using for summer airline offices, six more ticket counters and to house the Transportation Safety Administration baggage screening equipment are now in place with the original three temporary trailers on the tarmac in front of the main terminal. These trailers are being used for all secure flights leaving the island.

The airport is awaiting the return of the trailer company to complete the expansion of the ticketing trailer. The airport expects to finish the work this week. It includes moving a wall, adding two ticket counters, and moving the TSA baggage screening equipment to one of the new trailers. Airport Operations expects these additional temporary trailers to significantly accelerate the baggage screen process.

Over at the terminal annex building where commuter flight service is operating, two offices have been eliminated to create around 30 percent more space where Nantucket Air and Island Air are located during the construction of the addition. The airport is also adding a new tent in front of the annex building and has already put up the boarding tent for secure flights with power and water connected to the portable toilets and this tent.

AIRLINE NEWS Service information JetBlue Airways' New York City JFK service begins for the season on May 22, Delta Air Lines' New York City JFK service gets going June 5 and Continental Airlines' Newark, N.J. service starts June 12.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Nantucket Memorial Airport terminal work includes additions and renovations totaling around 18,000 square feet, the most notable of which is a new wing off the east end of the existing main terminal facing the hangar area. When finished, all flights to Boston and New York will pass through this new wing and baggage will be screened there with the Transportation Safety Administration's new baggage screening equipment. Other additions to the building will face the parking lot off the main terminal and will free up office and ticket counter space by removing maintenance storage below the air traffic control tower and widening that part of the terminal northward so all ticket counters can be located in the same area. The parking configuration will stay the same, as will drop-off and pickup. The project cost of $26 million is being borne by: the Federal Aviation Administration - $9 million; airport fees - $5 million and Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission - $12 million. Builder: Skanska USA of Boston, Mass. Construction Timeline: October 2007- Spring 2009. Details & questions: 325-5300. Web site: www.nantucketairport. com.