Faster security, with less hassle, will be in place by the end of March at Willard Airport. Construction is nearly complete on a new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Screening Checkpoint.
The new checkpoint is in the former café/conference space on the 2nd level of the terminal, to the right of the escalators. This underutilized space is being repurposed to create a more open, efficient screening area. The new setup will initially feature one screening lane, however it can be expanded to two screening lanes in the future when passenger demand warrants. There will be room to double the processing capacity and significantly reduce wait times as Willard grows.
The $3 million project also includes a wider queuing space and brings Willard into compliance with modern TSA layout and design standards. The cost of the project is paid for by federal infrastructure grants, the Illinois Department of Transportation and Willard Airport funds.
The original TSA checkpoint – a single-lane screening station located on the walkway bridge between the public terminal and gate area – is too small under current post‑9/11 design standards. It routinely causes bottlenecks, with queues overflowing and causing congestion at the top of the escalators.
Also, on the way – a new automated exit lane security system, to improve passenger flow as travelers leave the gate area upon arrival.
