The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is set to invest $61m in an air traffic control tower and terminal radar approach control (TRACON) at Piedmont Triad International (PTI) airport in Greensboro, North Carolina.
The 180ft tower will replace the existing 90ft-tall tower that started operations in 1974.
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Piedmont Triad Airport Authority chairman Steve Showfety said: “It has been 45 years since the current Air Traffic Control Tower was put into service.
“Today we are turning a page. This new tower will give us the modern infrastructure we need to live up to the vision of our master plan and will allow the Piedmont Triad International Airport to continue to add new passenger service, serve our current tenants and also add new tenants who will bring investment and jobs to the community.”
The new facility will feature a 550ft² tower cab that will have enough space for eight air traffic controllers to work.
The 15,650ft² base building of the tower will be home to the TRACON with up to ten radar positions for air traffic controllers.
Equipped with the latest technology for navigation and communication purpose, the TRACON will control airspace within a 60-mile radius of the airport. The airspace includes around 20 general aviation airports.
FAA regional administrator Michael O’Harra said: “This investment in infrastructure and technology will place the airport in an excellent position for future growth.
“The new facility will enable air traffic controllers to provide the safest and most efficient service to Piedmont Triad area travellers for decades to come.”
Archer Western Construction received the construction contract from the FAA in October last year.
The tower is currently under construction that commenced in April this year. Commissioning of the facility is expected to take place in 2022.
