• Posted: June 1, 2026
• Airport electrical infrastructure upgrades, Chicago airport renovation project, Commercial electrical infrastructure upgrades, Critical infrastructure construction in Chicago, Electrical construction in Chicago, Electrical contractors at O’Hare, Mission-critical electrical work, Phased airport construction projects

 

Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport is undergoing one of the largest infrastructure modernization efforts in the country. As part of the broader O’Hare 21 initiative, the O’Hare Terminal 3 renovation is transforming one of the airport’s busiest terminals by expanding passenger space, upgrading technology, improving accessibility, and modernizing infrastructure to support millions of travelers each month.

In Episode 23 of The Power of Better, Powering Chicago highlights the scale, coordination, and technical execution required to modernize a major airport facility while maintaining continuous operations around the clock.

The three-year, $350 million Terminal 3 renovation and expansion project includes upgraded baggage claim areas, expanded concourses, new airline club spaces, updated restrooms, and enhanced passenger amenities. The work is part of a larger airport revitalization effort projected to exceed $10 billion upon completion.

According to Matthew McGleam, Assistant Commissioner for the Chicago Department of Aviation, the project significantly expands and modernizes the terminal experience.

“We’re expanding our concourse by 12 feet to 30 feet,” said McGleam. “ We’ve got 10,000 square feet of new airline club space, new bathrooms, new bag claim spaces, and just a general uplifting refresh of the entire concourse.”

Coordinating Complex Construction Inside an Active International Airport

Modernizing a high-traffic airport terminal presents a unique level of complexity. Construction must occur without disrupting daily airport operations, passenger movement, airline schedules, baggage systems, or critical infrastructure.

Powering Chicago signatory contractor Maron Electric Company is helping lead the Terminal 3 refresh project at O’Hare International Airport. The team is contributing to upgrades in the aging baggage claim area as part of the broader modernization project.

The project involves 34 separate phases, requiring teams to coordinate work across multiple shifts while keeping existing systems operational throughout construction.

“It’s a bit of an unusual project in that it has 34 phases, and we have to keep the existing facility up and running while we’re doing the entire project,” said Jason Pore, Project Executive at Maron Electric Company. “There’s a level of complexity to it that’s above and beyond an average project at the airport or anywhere else.”

That coordination extends far beyond installation work. Construction logistics must be carefully planned to avoid disrupting airport traffic, passenger flow, and operational systems.

“Fleets, vehicles, tools, everything, getting to the locations they need to be at. Whether it’s a first, second or third shift, we have to do all that,” said Ian Hoehl, O’Hare Aviation Superintendent at Maron Electric Company. “The coordination is probably the main point of what I do out here with just making sure we can do shutdowns, work in certain areas, and not really get in the way of everyday traffic.”

Maintaining Electrical Reliability During the O’Hare Terminal 3 Renovation

One of the most critical components of the O’Hare Terminal 3 renovation is maintaining continuous electrical reliability throughout construction.

Airports operate 24 hours a day and rely on uninterrupted electrical infrastructure to support lighting, communications systems, baggage handling, security systems, airline operations, and passenger safety.

For electrical contractors working in these environments, even small disruptions can create significant operational challenges.

Skilled Electrical Contractors Supporting Chicago’s Infrastructure

Large-scale infrastructure projects like the O’Hare Terminal 3 renovation depend on experienced electrical contractors and a highly skilled workforce capable of operating in complex, mission-critical environments.

The Chicago Department of Aviation emphasized the importance of working with Powering Chicago member contractors and union electricians to support daily airport operations and long-term infrastructure improvements.

“Our partnership with the union trades is critical for all aspects of our work here at O’Hare and at Midway,” said McGleam. “We wouldn’t be here today without their expertise, knowledge, and professionalism on the job site.”

As O’Hare continues its long-term modernization effort, projects like Terminal 3 demonstrate the coordination, technical expertise, and workforce capabilities required to improve major transportation infrastructure while keeping Chicago moving.

The O’Hare Terminal 3 renovation is currently scheduled for completion in mid-2027.

Watch Episode 23 of The Power of Better to see how Powering Chicago member contractors are modernizing one of the busiest airports in the world through complex electrical construction, infrastructure upgrades, and coordinated project execution.

Subscribe to the Powering Chicago YouTube channel to stay updated on the projects, professionals, and innovations shaping the future of Chicago’s electrical industry.

Looking for experienced electrical contractors for your next commercial, infrastructure, or mission-critical project? Use Powering Chicago’s Find a Contractor Tool to connect with qualified electrical contractors and the IBEW Local 134 electricians they employ.