Part Of Main Terminal Renovation Program

Lambert-St. Louis International Airport took a big step recently in its Airport Experience Program, with the installation of a new in-line baggage system in the Main Terminal.

Carousel MT 6 is the first carousel to be shutdown and enclosed by a protective wall so crews can begin dismantling the unit. Lambert is replacing all six of its Main Terminal baggage carousels and two large-claim units.

The project also includes the installation of a new conveyer system that travels between airline baggage tugs and the carousels. Only one carousel will be shut down at any one time. The project is scheduled for completion no later than June.

STL officials say passengers should see minimal disruption in baggage service with the closure and construction of one carousel at a time. Passengers should continue to monitor airline announcements or check flight monitors to get their latest baggage claim information.

The new baggage system is manufactured by VanDerLande Industries of Denmark, a baggage handling supplier to airports worldwide. The new system is designed to increase the speed and efficiency of baggage delivery between the airlines and the baggage claim units.

The new conveyer systems are designed to handle the latest generation of baggage. And the conveyers are designed with straight-line feeds to the carousel, unlike the current system, to reduce baggage jams. Each carousel has a low-profile design that will allow for a more open view across the Baggage Claim area.

The current bag claim units are more than 30 years old.

The $5.5 million Baggage Claim project is part of the first phase of renovation projects (totaling $16.7 million) in Lambert's Airport Experience Program. Two other projects in this phase are already underway. Crews are currently restoring the interior ceilings of Lambert's historic domes in the Main Terminal, which should be completed this spring.

Lambert is also finalizing plans to overhaul all of the airport's roadway signs to make it easier for motorists to navigate to and from the terminals, parking garages and other airport related facilities. Installation of those new signs will take place through the spring and should be completed by mid year.

FMI: www.flystl.com