Those travelling in and out of the Prince George Airport (YXS) over the next few months can expect to see a few changes as construction of the elevator project starts late this week.
Both sets of staircases connecting the long term parking lot with the main terminal level will be upgraded. The elevator will be housed in a vestibule, along with a new set of covered stairs near the arrivals doors. The first portion of the project will include construction of two sets of temporary stairs as crews work on the demolition of the current ones.
Parking spots in both the short and long term lots will also be temporarily changed while this project is taking place. Accessible parking will be reassigned to the closest, safest spots.
“We are excited to see this project move forward. It’s just one more step in the right direction in terms of making our terminal accessible for all,” said Prince George Airport Authority President and CEO John Gibson, in a press release. “This project would not be possible without the support of the B.C. government which is helping us fund this project.”
Signs, along with any temporary changes in speed limits and traffic patterns, will be highly visible. Project updates will also featured on the airport’s website (www.pgairport.ca) and social media channels Facebook (www.facebook.com/FlyYXS) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/FlyYXS).
This $3 million dollar project is expected to be completed early spring 2018. The B.C. government has provided the PGAA with $1,471,500 through the B.C. Air Access Program for this project.
“We are asking for the public’s cooperation and patience as we move forward on this highly anticipated elevator project build,” said Lindsay Cotter, airport authority’s communications manager. “The PGAA is doing everything we can to mitigate the impact on our customers and we are asking travellers to please plan accordingly. Once complete the end result will be well worth it.”
IDL Projects is the general contractor on this project.