Cargo-only Rickenbacker International Airport in Columbus, is replacing its 1950s-era tower with a new air-traffic control tower to update its systems and create more space for controllers.
Last week construction crews hoisted the cab of the new air traffic control tower, a completely modern structure, with separate meeting rooms and training offices.
“We spent a lot of time planning how to create more space for controller utilization and researching the most reliable communication radios and equipment for installation,” said Eric Hensley, senior project manager of planning and engineering for Rickenbacker. “We will also be updating our security cameras and access controls.”
The office space adjacent to the current tower has been vacated since 2004, and the facility has outlived its useful life expectancy. After much research, it was determined it would not be physically or economically sound to update the current tower.
Construction of the new tower is expected to be complete in early 2016. The current tower will remain operational during the construction to prevent any disruption in service.
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