Second Phase of RDU’s Terminal 2 Takes Shape

RDU Airport, NC – Visitors to Raleigh-Durham International Airport's Terminal 2 are getting a sneak peek of the second phase of the terminal, which will open in less than six months. This week, construction crews began removing curtains that separated the construction site from the operating terminal, revealing portions of the north concourse and ticketing area.

Later this week, arriving passengers will exit the concourse through a new corridor as crews begin constructing the remainder of the security checkpoint. A viewing window allows passengers to watch the progress being made on the final portion of the terminal.

RDU will open the second phase of the terminal on Sunday, January 23, 2011, one week before the NHL All-Star game is to be played in Raleigh. When it opens, it will feature 17 gates, 13 new shops and restaurants and one ticketing island.

Restaurants and shops on the new concourse include Carolina Vintages, which will feature North Carolina wines and produce, Jason's Deli, Five Guys and Flavours, a gourmet market. Passengers will also find Brooks Brothers, Life is Good/Kids Works, CNBC, Brighton Collectibles and 2nd Edition Booksellers, a popular RDU-based used bookstore.

One of the highlights of the terminal includes a meet and greet area located adjacent to the security checkpoint. Here, friends and family can wait for arriving passengers. A Starbucks Coffee will be located next to the area, which will have tables, chairs and information on arriving and departing flights.

With the opening in January, RDU will also unveil four additional works of art, including Ed Carpenter's Triplet, which will be featured in the central atrium. The work features wood masts tipped with dichroic glass and LED lighting and will be suspended in the central atrium from stainless steel cables. View Triplet and the central atrium.

The first phase of the terminal opened on October 28, 2008 with 19 gates, 24 shops and restaurants, two ticketing islands and a new federal inspections area for international travelers.

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