A major expansion is now underway at Redmond Municipal Airport, as city and airport officials launch large-scale construction initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and transportation in the region.

Redmond Airport is kicking off a $180 million, two-year terminal and concourse upgrade designed to accommodate future growth and enhance passenger experience. According to Airport Director Zachary Bass, the terminal will be transformed by the time the work is complete.

"The new terminal expansion that's beginning on Wednesday will add about 80,000ft²: several Jet Bridges, about 6000ft² of retail concessions, over 800 or so, more seating placements and so it's really just going to be a basically you'll see a brand new concourse," said Bass.

During construction, operations will shift to accommodate the work. A temporary underground tunnel will handle baggage operations, and the doors leading to Gates 6, 7, and 8 will be permanently closed. Passengers departing from those gates will be rerouted through Door 4.

"You walk down that long hallway, there's a lot of gates," Bass said. "There's more opportunities for food and concessions and retail, and you're going to see that same thing here in a few years when this is complete."

The underground tunnel will help maintain smooth baggage screening and transport without disrupting construction zones. Additional signage and airport staff will assist travelers through the new routes, and airport officials say no delays or flight changes are expected.

Meanwhile, the City of Redmond has begun its own significant infrastructure project near Airport Way. The Eastside Arterial project, which stretches across four phases, is aimed at easing congestion, improving road safety, and unlocking new industrial and commercial zones.

"Right now we're doing what's known as the airport way extension," said Jake Sherman, Principal Engineer for the city. "We're extending it from Veterans Way through the old Juniper Golf course to the state highway 126."

The upgrades will offer drivers an alternative to South Highway 97, improve access to East Highway 126, and provide critical infrastructure for the city’s continued growth.

"They have punched a road through the old golf course, majority of the way north, south," Sherman explained. "Right now they're working on punching a road east west."

Eastside Arterial Project Details:

• Phase 1: NE 9th Street Extension with new pavement, turn lanes, bike lanes, sidewalks, multi-use paths, and storm infrastructure—constructed offsite near the old golf course.
• Phase 2: New single-lane roundabout at OR126 and NE 9th Street.
• Phase 3: Roundabout at Veterans Way and Airport Way, with temporary detours during tie-in work.
• Phase 4: Modernization of NE 9th Street from Hemlock Avenue to OR126, with widened roads, bike lanes, and landscaping.

The city anticipates completing the Eastside Arterial project by 2027, while the airport’s terminal expansion is on track to wrap up in 2026, promising a new era of convenience and connectivity for Redmond residents and travelers.

Originally reported by Steele Haugen in Central Oregon Daily.