The final steel beam has been put into place on a $470 million expansion project at Houston's William P. Hobby Airport, according to a Dec. 12 news release from the Houston Airport System.

What's happening?

As previously reported by Community Impact, the expansion is set to bring seven new gates to the airport, more than doubling the number of existing gates. Other improvements include:

• An updated baggage claim system
• Additional baggage claim carousels
• Expanded dining and retail options
• Weather-protected canopies at departures

Ground broke on the project in early 2024, and the placement of the final steel beam marks just over the halfway mark, as the expansion is expected to wrap up in 2027, according to Houston Airport System officials.

In their words

"The topping-off milestone underscores the craftsmanship behind one of Houston’s most significant aviation projects—and marks the moment the new concourse officially began its transition from structure to space," the release states.