Airport officials showcase improvements coming to Raleigh-Durham International Airport

MORRISVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Raleigh-Durham International Airport is showcasing a glimpse into its future, with airport officials giving an all-access tour of major projects representing a $2.5 billion investment from the Airport Authority.

These upgrades, which fliers will soon see, highlight a major transformation underway at the airport. Bill Sandifer, EVP & CDO of the RDU Airport Authority, said they are planning for 30 million annual customers by 2050, doubling current traffic levels.

For Sandifer, making sure the booming airport is able to meet increased demand, new flights and more fliers isn't easy, but it's necessary.

"Imagine that you want to rebuild your kitchen while you're cooking dinner. That's really what it's like," he said. "It's trying to make sure that we can expand without impacting the customer. And I think we've done it pretty effectively so far."

There are four main improvements taking place, representing the Airport Authority's multi-billion-dollar revamp.

New Park Economy 3 is set to grow from 3,800 spaces to 11,000 by the end of 2026. The massive new lot will include solar-paneled canopies and an amenity building with restrooms and refreshments.

John Brantley Boulevard -- the horseshoe-shaped road that connects RDU's terminals will also see big changes. Renderings show a new bridge at the entrance to Terminal 2 and a redesigned traffic pattern that separates traffic for Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, aimed at reducing congestion.

Sandifer warned that passengers may experience some growing pains as the roadwork begins sometime in 2027 and lasts around two years.

"As we go into construction on John Brantley Boulevard and especially as we shut down the bridge coming to Terminal 2, you know, all those customers who are leaving already, you are going to have to be dropped off and get to the Terminal from a remote location. It's just going to take a little bit more time to do that," he said.

When all is said and done, Terminal 2 will be able to accommodate twice as many passengers, doubling the TSA checkpoint size as well as the customs and baggage area for International arrivals and more ticketing desks. Work to expand T2 is already underway, and more gates will be added once RDU's new, longer runway comes online around 2029.

That longer runway will allow for more long-haul planes, increasing viability for new routes to places like Asia and the Mideast. Sandifer said airports of this size are in a constant state of evolution, focusing on maintaining or improving infrastructure to accommodate growth.

"We're definitely building for the future," he said. "That's just a natural part of what we do. I think we've got a solid plan."