New LAX Southwest Terminal Will Have 12 Security Lanes

A ground-breaking ceremony was held Tuesday to begin the modernization project for Terminal 1 at LAX. The renovation aims to help take away traffic congestion in front of the terminal.

The new terminal will include a 12-lane security checkpoint, new dining and retail shops.

Mayor Eric Garcetti and LAX officials were there to commence the ground-breaking project at LAX.

“This project will smooth traffic, and visitors coming here for the first time will see a beautiful city with the best restaurants [and] best shopping so [that] it brings more revenue and more jobs,” said Garcetti.

The project will minimize the inconvenience for passengers flying Southwest and commuting around the LAX area.

“There are many elements to the project that are going to be very exciting for passengers," said Gina Marie Lindsay, the executive director of LAX. "A big improvement is in line baggage check in and it is going to be very helpful to have an expanded security checkpoint."

Construction is expected to be completed after 2018, and the terminal will remain open during construction.