Turner Construction has begun the long-awaited, $100m expansion of New York’s Albany International Airport.

Designed by architect Gensler and engineer CHA, the project aims to increase passenger-handling capacity and eliminate legendary bottlenecks at security.

“Ask anyone who has flown out of Albany International Airport during peak hours and they will tell you the line for security can often back up into the pedestrian walkway and even all the way to the parking garage,” said New York senator Chuck Schumer.

He added: “While the airport is vibrant and growing, it was built long before modern TSA security screening, and for years has been in desperate need of expansion.”

Among the major structural works, Turner will remove the existing rotunda and pedestrian bridge to build a new main entrance with glass curtain wall and light, translucent canopies overhead.

It will remove the old security checkpoint and build a bigger one in a new location.

Other improvements include bigger seating and waiting areas, an expanded airside marketplace, and a public arts area and children’s play zone.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems will also be improved.

The project got $60m from the New York governor Kathy Hochul’s $230m Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition.

Other beneficiaries include Syracuse, Rochester, Ogdensburg, and Saratoga County airports.