The clock on Denver International Airport's most visible transformation just got reset. City Council has voted to add $170 million to the contract with Hensel Phelps Construction Co., bringing the total price tag for the Great Hall program to $365 million.
This financial adjustment does more than just increase the budget; it pushes the finish line back by 836 days. The new completion date for Phase Two of the Great Hall is now set for April 15, 2024. The amendment was adopted following a review period that concluded in December 2020, with the committee giving its initial approval in late November.
The Great Hall serves as the new central hub for the airport, replacing the aging terminal infrastructure near the main security checkpoints. Located at the airport complex in the 80262 ZIP code, this phase focuses on expanding passenger capacity and modernizing the check-in experience. The extended timeline suggests that the intricate engineering required to integrate the new structure with existing operations will take significantly longer than initially projected.
Travelers and local businesses watching the airport's evolution should note that these delays will likely impact construction noise and traffic patterns around the airport entrance for the next two years. The project represents one of the largest infrastructure investments in the city's recent history, with the total contract value now exceeding a third of a billion dollars.
Residents wishing to track the progress of this massive undertaking can attend future public meetings at Denver City Hall, where council committees regularly review airport development updates. For more details on the specific legislation passed, the city maintains records of the vote at the Denver Council portal.