NORTH PLATTE – NEW PLACES

A New Terminal Building for Lee Bird Field

The North Platte Airport Authority is enhancing the customer experience and driving economic development opportunities to western Nebraska by constructing a new passenger terminal at the North Platte Regional Airport. The airport serves a vital role in rural Nebraska's economy as the only primary airport within its 14,000 square mile, 15 county service area. It supports recent, local economic development successes including recent construction of a 560,000 square foot beef processing facility near the airport, bringing an approximately 850 jobs to North Platte, and a 300-acre rail park in development in nearby Hershey, NE. The project is intended to become a source of pride for the North Platte community, creating a modern landmark in western Nebraska. 

The existing terminal is dated and space constrained, unable to provide an acceptable level of service for current and forecasted demand. The existing terminal was constructed in 1952 and was designed for pre-9/11 traveler behavior with "50 seats for 50 passengers" in the secure hold room with little space for luggage and amenities. The addition of jet bridge boarding, modern restrooms, natural light, and food and beverage service post-security will meet today's airport user expectations.

The airport is anticipating a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for the new terminal, which will feature modern, energy efficient building systems, a mass timber structure, and cross-laminated timber roofing leading to reduced embodied carbon compared to steel construction. The project includes capturing, storing, and re-using stormwater runoff to satisfy non-potable water demand, photovoltaic skylight glass to provide renewable energy for building systems, and a Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) geothermal heating and cooling system to reduce energy demand. In addition, the terminal parking lot will feature multi-modal space for local public transit service, rideshare, and electric vehicle charging stations.

Finally, the existing terminal building has several accessibility shortcomings that will be addressed with the new facility. The new terminal will exceed minimum ADA standards and feature a boarding bridge, code compliant restrooms, a mother’s room, and accommodations for service animals to provide equitable access for all travelers. 

Project benefits include: 

• Enhanced customer experience as the “front door” to North Platte and western Nebraska, supporting economic development and business opportunities 

• Reduced carbon footprint compared to existing facility with mass timber structure, solar and geothermal energy systems, stormwater re-use, and accommodations for public transit and electric vehicles 

• Inclusive design addressing accessibility concerns at the existing terminal and providing equitable access for all travelers 

Project Schedule

Construction began in October 2024, and the project is on-track for a Spring 2026 grand opening. The current terminal facility remains operational during construction, resulting in minimal impact to the traveling public.

Project Update 

April 2025: The underground utilities are almost finished, and most of the concrete floor slab has been placed. Vertical construction is now in progress, with the installation of Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) block walls. These walls will provide a sturdy foundation for a more visually appealing polished block finish. Glue-Laminated Timber (Glulam) and Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) are expected to arrive this summer.

Comments or Questions

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