By Tove Tupper
 
October 12, 2009
 
MEDFORD, Ore. - The Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport is one step closer to finalizing its terminal construction project.
 
Officials say the project is scheduled to be complete by Thanksgiving.
 
Crews are currently laying concrete on the tarmac, where the old terminal used to be. They say it will take them about three weeks to make sure the concrete is hard enough for aircrafts to park on. Workers are also finishing up the breeze way. When that is done, United and Delta passengers won't have to walk so far to get on and off airplanes. Crews are also finishing up the freight hand area, which sits directly in front of the old airport administration offices.
 
"It's a long grind. It's more like a marathon than it is a sprint. But the end is in site and it's been a great project," Airport Director Bern Case said.
 
The entire project cost $35-million. To stay on budget at the beginning of the project, the airport cut out a few items. Case says they might be able to add those back in by the end of the month. The airport says once spring comes, the only thing left to do will be some landscaping.