Construction Begins on $127.8m San Diego International Airport Parking Plaza

San Diego International Airport has begun construction on a $127.8 million parking plaza at Terminal 2, slated to open in time for summer travel in 2018.

Airport and civic leaders kicked off work on the project at a Sept. 14 ground-breaking ceremony at the airport. Officials said the plaza is intended to provide more terminal-adjacent parking for visitors, including short-term options.

An airport statement said the plaza, to be located in front of Terminal 2, will have three floors with approximately 3,000 parking stalls. It will replace the existing surface parking lot for Terminal 2.

Thella Bowens, president and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, which oversees the facility, said the start of construction on the plaza “is an important milestone to help improve the short-term parking customer experience.”

Officials said the parking plaza will integrate technology allowing motorists to reserve spaces in advance, find available spaces and streamline payment. The project is also expected to have environmental benefits, by reducing emissions resulting from vehicles circulating and idling as drivers search for spaces.

The plaza’s design will include open light wells, glass-front elevators and public art.