AUSTIN, Texas — Austin City Council approved a contract Thursday evening to expand the Barbara Jordan Terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

The project could cost up to $46 million and include the construction of  three new gates for growing airlines. The terminal will also be modified to support remote passenger hardstands, or bus gates.

As the airport is still operating, construction must take place in phases and in areas deemed safe by the FAA, TSA and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

This project is in the initial investment into Austin Airport’s Expansion and Development Program. The program is designed to fulfill the 2040 Master Plan and create 10-plus new gates, taxiways and more.

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According to the memo sent to the Austin City Council, due to the renovations options available and the complexity of the project, the collaboration of the design team and highly skilled construction manager will be required.

Before the actual construction starts, the city must establish Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goals and the Construction Manager-at-Risk firm will submit a plan to meet construction goals. Between the design and construction phase, the City of Austin will “negotiate and execute a Guaranteed Maximum Price for the remainder of the work, including actual construction.”

A city-staffed evaluation panel will recommend the Construction Manager firm will provide the “best value” to the project.

The approved contract allows for 760 days to finish the project.