Chicago plans $250 million in security, concession renovations at Midway Airport

Nearly $250 million of improvements are coming to Midway International Airport, the city of Chicago announced Thursday, including additions and renovations at its security checkpoints, parking garage and concessions.

The modernization project is in response to concerns from business travelers and tourists, the city said in a news release, especially a new 80,000-square-foot security area meant to address travelers' common complaints about frequent bottlenecks.

"These enhancements will create jobs for Chicago's residents, provide an improved experience for travelers from the garage to the gate, and ensure that our world class city has two world class airports," Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said. He called the airport an "important economic engine."

Renovations also will be made to the airport's stores and restaurants, adding 50 percent more concessions space as well as lounges, a spa and medical services. The expansion will create 1,700 construction and concession jobs, the city said.

City officials hope to receive bids through the end of this year and evaluate them in the first three months of this year before having the Chicago City Council consider the project in the second quarter of next year.