Construction has begun on a new air traffic control tower at the Gary/Chicago International Airport, marking a significant upgrade to the facility’s infrastructure aimed at supporting future growth and enhancing safety. The project, with an estimated cost of approximately $18 to $16 million, will replace the existing 54-year-old tower, which is 50 feet tall, with a new structure rising 50 feet higher.
Officials broke ground on the tower recently, with the airport authority citing the need for improved visibility and operational efficiency as primary drivers for the upgrade. Executive Director Dan Vicari explained that the increased height will provide controllers with better views of the airport’s expanded runway, which was lengthened 11 years ago as part of a $174 million development. The current tower, described as outdated and inefficient, limits controller visibility for incoming aircraft on the longer runway.
The tower project has progressed through phases of funding and planning over several years. Initial design and engineering received a $1.7 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2024, selected from a pool of about 80 applicants. More recently, the FAA awarded an additional $8.3 million grant to support construction efforts, bringing total federal contributions in the range of $10 million or more. Construction contract work has been awarded to Larson-Danielson Construction, with a project value noted at $16 million.
The new control tower is expected to be operational within approximately 22 months and will feature updated facilities including conference rooms, offices, restrooms, and break areas that the current tower lacks. Once completed, the old tower is slated for demolition. The airport’s control functions are currently managed by a team of six controllers during daytime hours.
Airport leadership emphasized the importance of the project beyond air traffic control improvements. Vicari noted that the tower is critical for accommodating anticipated growth in aviation activity and enhancing safety at the regional airport. Board member Vanessa Allen-McCloud highlighted the broader context of recent strategic investments at the airport, pointing to the opening of a $24 million air cargo campus now operated by UPS and the impending arrival of a FedEx distribution center. These developments underscore the airport’s role in regional economic expansion and job creation.
Overall, the new air traffic control tower represents a collaborative investment involving airport authorities, federal agencies, and private contractors aimed at modernizing operations and supporting increased air traffic at Gary/Chicago International Airport.