O’Hare Modernization Program
Overview
The O'Hare Modernization Program (OMP) will reconfigure O'Hare International Airport's intersecting runways into a more modern, parallel layout. The $6.6 billion Program will substantially reduce delays in all weather conditions and increase capacity at the airfield, allowing O'Hare to meet the region's aviation needs well into the future.
The OMP will also bring a new western terminal facility with more airline gates and parking. The western terminal will be connected to O'Hare's main terminal core by an automated people mover system.
When the OMP is complete, O'Hare will have eight runways - six will be east-west parallel runways and two crosswind runways.
As part of the modernization program, a new passenger terminal is proposed on the west side of the airport to create a new entrance to O'Hare and a more balanced, efficient access roadway system for the region.
Video depicting changing runway configuration of the OMP
Three major OMP infrastructure projects have already been completed.
In 2008, CDA opened a 3,000-foot extension to O'Hare's busiest runway – Runway 10/28 - , a new runway and a new airport traffic control tower. All three projects opened on or ahead of schedule, and nearly $40 million under budget. The two runway projects have already had a considerable and positive impact on operations at O'Hare and the U.S. Aviation System.
A third runway project, Runway 10C-28C, is now under construction. It will be an Airplane Design Group VI capable runway, built to accommodate new aircraft, such as the Boeing 747-8 and Airbus A-380.
While this work takes place, design and planning work is underway for the completion phase of the OMP, which includes:
- Two new runways
- The extension of an existing runway
- Construction of several enabling projects; and
- Construction of a new Western Terminal facility
Construction on the new runway components has begun.
To find out about bid opportunities, please go to our Doing Business section.
Economic Benefits
O'Hare already generates 450,000 jobs and $38 billion in economic activity for the Chicago region and State of Illinois. A modernized O'Hare means the creation of 195,000 more jobs, and another $18 billion in annual economic activity. The OMP is expected to save the airlines approximately $370 million and passengers $380 million a year.
Land Acquisition
The O'Hare Modernization Program will need to acquire a total of 433 acres in Chicago, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, and the Village of Bensenville. The O'Hare Land Acquisition Program operates under the guidelines of the federal Uniform Relocation and Real Properties Act.
Funding
The OMP protects taxpayers. No local or state taxpayer dollars will be used to fund the Program. Funding comes from a variety of sources: Passenger Facility Charges, General Airport Revenue Bonds, and federal Airport Improvement Program funds.
O'Hare Modernization Act
On August 6, 2003 the O'Hare Modernization Act (OMA) was signed into law by the Governor of Illinois. The law recognizes the importance of a modernized O'Hare to Illinois businesses, jobs, and transportation.
The O'Hare Modernization Act received overwhelming bi-partisan support in the Illinois General Assembly. It ensures modernization efforts move forward as efficiently as possible, consistent with Federal safety and environmental reviews. The Act recognizes that thorough Federal reviews will assure safety, efficiency, and consistency with the national air transportation system.