The $1.52 billion Airside D project includes two floors and a mezzanine level. The design was approved by the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board in February.
Once complete, Airside D will feature 16 gates serving both domestic and international Delta Air Lines flights, along with a U.S. Customs facility.
"This is about a $30 million-a-month project," said Dan Seeley, director of construction for the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority. "I think this shows the size, the amount of material and manpower going into this project every day."
Seeley said dry weather earlier this year allowed crews to work efficiently. Now that the rainy season has begun, construction teams are starting work earlier each day to minimize delays from afternoon storms.
This year's construction phase is focused on erecting the terminal's steel framework.
Kevin Curry, general superintendent with HENSEL PHELPS, said the project requires about 6,000 tons of structural steel made up of roughly 7,400 individual pieces.
Curry said all major steel structures are expected to be in place by Christmas. Concrete work began in July, with overnight pours scheduled because concrete must cure at temperatures below 95 degrees.
In June, crews installed steel girders for the shuttle guideway and concrete girders for the elevated walkway spanning George J. Bean Parkway.
For Curry, the project represents more than just another construction job.
"I am most excited about the community aspect. You've got the world's favorite airport, and you're adding more capacity to it," Curry said. "At peak, there are 800 to 1,000 local trade workers putting in the work, training folks, and it's a once-in-a-lifetime job for a lot of people because there are very few billion-dollar projects outside of data centers."
Curry said 75% of the project's major contractors are local companies, including GMF Steel, APG, DCH Mechanical and Coreslab Structures.
Technology is also playing a major role in construction. The project team is using detailed 3D models and a robotic dog named Astro, equipped with smart cameras, to document construction progress and help monitor job-site safety.
If construction remains on schedule, Airside D is expected to be completed in December 2028 before welcoming its first passengers in 2029.
The new airside will feature international and domestic gates, an indoor children's play area, a quiet room for travelers experiencing sensory overload, upgraded automated people movers matching those being installed at Airsides A, C and E, digital media displays, glass boarding bridges and new shopping and dining options.
