Earlier today, the Sacramento International Airport unveiled its latest airport improvement program, SMForward. The project will unfold over the next five years and is valued at $1.3 billion.
SMForward
At an event in Terminal B of the Sacramento International Airport, the Sacramento County Department of Airports, which runs SMF, announced a new expansion program, the largest in the airport’s history. Terminals A and B, the two SMF terminals, will receive new amenities and gates. The project is expected to be completed in 2027. The cost of the airport upgrades will not fall on the local taxpayers but will come from federal and state grants, municipal bonds issued by the airport, and user fees.
Through SMForward, work will begin on six projects next year, one of which is a new pedestrian walkway that will connect Terminal B with Concourse B. Currently, passengers checking in at Terminal B must board a tram to get to the concourse. Soon, those who wish to take a short walk between the two will have that option.
The new walkway will be state of the art and is expected cost is $140 million.
“The airport experience is the first impression many people see when they arrive in Northern California – and the last as they leave. SMForward will change the airport’s skyline, but it also sets the stage for the airport’s growth and our region’s as a whole.” – Cindy Nichol, Director, Sacramento County Department of Airports
Not just terminal upgrades
In addition to new gates and amenities and the pedestrian walkway, a new parking garage will go up by terminal B. Currently, the airport has a daily lot right outside the arrivals/departures zones of Terminal B and a parking garage between both terminals. The economy lots are located farther away from the terminals and can be accessed via the airport bus system.
Airport transit and ground transportation will also receive updates as part of SMForward. A new ground transportation center will bring taxis, rideshare, and off-site shuttles together in one place, accessible by a short walk from both terminals. A new $400 million rental car facility will allow easier access for passengers, from both terminals, without needing to take a shuttle.
“SMForward represents the continued implementation of SMF’s master plan, which the Sacramento County Board approved of Supervisors in February 2022. The plan evaluated past and projected passenger growth along with infrastructure needs as a basis for developing a plan to accommodate that growth.” – TJ Chen, Deputy Director Airport Planning and Development
Chen added,
“In addition to roadways and gates, the master plan anticipates the additional facilities and airfield infrastructure needed to meet the growing demand for air travel.”
As with any city that grows, airports must evolve as well. In recent years, the city of Sacramento and the surrounding regions have grown significantly with residents moving away from the San Francisco Bay Area and the rapidly-rising cost of living.
Through SMForward, jobs and economic opportunities will be created for local businesses (most dining options available in both terminals are local). The county hopes that the improvements will make Sacramento a more desirable destination.