Airport officials have held a ceremonial groundbreaking to mark the start of construction on the Terminal 1 modernization project. Over the next 18 months, construction crews will transform the terminal, which will include replacing the familiar blue exterior panels.

 

Once known as Terminal A, the building opened in the early 1980s to accommodate the growing number of flights and passengers at RDU.

 

When the renovated terminal is completed, officials say travelers will see more natural lighting, renovated ticketing and baggage claim areas and a larger security checkpoint. New shops and restaurants will also open in the terminal.

 

The terminal project costs an estimated $68 million and is scheduled for completion in early 2014.