MEMPHIS, TN — As Memphis International Airport (MEM) continues to evolve, the Terminal Modernization and Seismic Program (TMSP) is pushing forward at full speed. Led by the TAC team, comprised of Turner Construction Company, Ardmore Roderick, and Chris Woods Construction, the program aims to redefine the travel experience at MEM through upgrades in infrastructure, safety, and passenger convenience.
With an estimated investment of more than $700 million, TMSP is the largest capital project in the airport’s history. The multi-year program will modernize the main terminal, enhance seismic resilience, expand parking systems, and provide upgraded amenities to meet the needs of the modern traveler.
One of the most visible milestones so far in 2025 is the demolition of Concourse A, which officially began in early July. Concourse A is being cleared to make way for critical new infrastructure. Demolition is expected to wrap by early 2026.
Nearby, crews are making strong headway on the transit tunnel infill, a key seismic safety initiative supporting the upcoming outer commercial drive reconstruction. The tunnel that was once used for transit beneath the terminal is being filled with cellular concrete, a lightweight, porous material designed to improve structural stability. Once complete, the space will meet modern seismic standards and enable continued above-ground upgrades, including the relocation of groundwater pumps.
One of the most impactful developments this summer has been the reopening of the departures-level inner drive and B crosswalk, completed in June. This improves traffic flow and safety on the terminal’s upper level, ensuring smoother arrivals and departures for travelers and rideshare vehicles.
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Meanwhile, work continues on the new commercial ground transportation lane, located on the baggage claim level of the short-term parking garage. This new area will streamline access for taxis, shuttles, limousines, and rideshare services. Once this new lane opens, ground transportation will relocate, enabling work to begin on the outer commercial drive replacement, a two-year project to expand and reinforce the departures-level curb.
While early phases focus on enabling infrastructure, another goal of the TMSP is the complete modernization of MEM’s terminal, scheduled to begin in 2027 and conclude by 2030. The work is well underway, and the vision includes:
- Expanded baggage and ticketing areas for improved flow
- A relocated, larger TSA security screening checkpoint
- New escalator and stair placement to ease wayfinding
- Seismic retrofits for improved resilience
- Preservation of MEM’s mid-century architecture
Supporting this vision is the new administration/CBIS building, now in the design phase. In renderings released in June by design partner Alliiance, the building features modern finishes and light-filled interiors. Construction is expected to begin this fall, once Concourse A demolition concludes.
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Passenger parking enhancements are also in the works and already making a difference. In the fall of 2024, MEM added 800 new spaces to its yellow lot. This year has also seen the rollout of a new parking ticketing and payment system, license plate recognition cameras, and a parking guidance system to improve security, reduce congestion, and help travelers find their cars more easily.
Looking ahead, real-time parking availability, online reservations, and space guidance will be accessible via MEM’s website to make trip planning more efficient.
Renderings courtesy of Alliiance and Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority
