I wouldn't be surprised if concerns that UA and AA raised a while back would come into fruition regarding the expansion plan. Expect to see the two center runways of the new configuration axed if O'Hare doesn't see enough A380 and 747-8 traffic to warrant those. Four parallel runways spaced apart enough for trimultaneous operations would still do about 80% of what the full runway reconfiguration aims to accomplish... and they can always go back and build the two center runways if demand warrants. Though it must be noted that future 10C/28C runway is the one causing the big stink over that cemetary.

O'Hare 2nd phase plans
 

..

Well, I guess that article addressed all my doubts about the future of the O'Hare expansion plan. I am very surprised that they are still going ahead with the western terminal... I hope they hire somebody good to design it. Norman Foster is a pretty safe choice, but what would a Calatrava terminal be like? :)

^ With Illinois' political clout (aka Dick Durbin), there's no way this is not getting through the FAA.

No, I don't think the FAA will deny it... but it surprises me that the City of Chicago is still pursuing a western terminal, when more runway improvements would fix the problems that currently exist at O'Hare.

Plans for the western terminal, BTW, call for such costly features as access roads (probably using local roads, but eventually freeways) and a tunnel underneath the airfield to extend the People Mover. If the city is smart, they should bore a large-diameter tunnel that could fit both a Blue Line extension and the People Mover.

..

How the hell is Bensenville paying for this?

Do they seriously not have other expenses?

I've wondered about that too. I have no idea how much they are paying for lawyers, but it must be a small fortune. It all seems like a complete waste. By the sounds of it, certain areas are already empty. Those areas are officially dead. Who would ever want to buy there now with the future threat of O'Hare expanding in the future if this doesn't go through?

What's the matter with those 30 remaining families? Do they really think by staying that somehow things will return to normal?

It's like those few people who 'successfully' fought eminent domain for 30 years in the Illinois Medical District. I get the idea and importance of doing something out of principle (opposing O'hare Expansion, however, I definitely don't agree with), but at some point one has to wonder what it's worth.

http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=...cl=1&encType=1

Did those people really "win"? The neighborhood is long gone, and their property value diminished because there is no opportunity for anything other than eventual inclusion in the IMD. So why bother? At some point, you throw in the towel and realize that in the long run, government always wins because it exists in perpetuity and maintains a monopoly on the use of force but I guess the Bensenville knuckleheads would rather punish "The Government" (read: The Taxpayer) with endless lawsuits, legal maneuverings, and construction delays. Didn't the City of Chicago offer everyone far above (like >50% greater than) market value for their properties to avoid eminent domain?

Midway news
 

Midway Airport news, if long term plans for Southwest go ahead (I think they are the only airline still expanding amazingly) then Midway could max out rather soon. The more routes and flights out of Midway the better I say.

..

Acording to the FAA, Midway will be capacity constrained in a decade if O'Hare does not expand. This is beacuse delays at O'Hare= more planes queing on the runways, taxiways and gates at O'Hare= daleyed arivials circling around the city and congesting the shared airspace used by all airports in the region.

Midway really only has 2 runways for passenger jets, and not only do they criss-cross (no simultaneous operations), but in certain wind conditions only one can be used for all operations. Seems like Midway would become capacity constrained by its airfield before it does by its terminal facilities, no?

^^^ Don't worry, they will probably just fly the planes in willy nilly anyhow even if it risks collision... Just seems how we do it these days with crowded airports, just shove the planes in anyhow...

How does Midway compare in terms of total flight movements (and delays) to other busy one-runway airports like Gatwick?

new western terminal
 

..

Some Articles about and relating to O'Hare
 

New airport building breaks ground this week

By Thomas V. Bona
BusinessRockford.com
Posted Aug 05, 2008 @ 02:53 PM
Last update Aug 05, 2008 @ 05:35 PM

Link to Full Article -> http://www.rrstar.com/news/x90192243...ound-this-week

Excerpt -

ROCKFORD —

Chicago Rockford International Airport is building a home for 747s.

Work is starting this week on a much-anticipated cargo facility that could steal traffic from O’Hare International Airport.

Crews will start laying the foundation for the first building this week, a 70,000-square-foot structure that could handle several large airplanes a day. Ultimately, the project could include 380,000 square feet and bring an estimated $100 million in annual economic impact to the area.

Mayoral aide: City can't afford stained glass windows

Link -> http://www.suntimes.com/news/politic...lass06.article

Excerpt -

The Chicago Sun-Times reported last month that, prior to Rodriguez’s appointment, the Department of Aviation was talking about spending $2 million to bankroll an exhibit of stained glass cabinets made from the extensive window collection of Chicago banking scion E. B. Smith Jr., whose great-grandfather founded the Northern Trust Bank in 1889.

The decision to expand to O’Hare’s three domestic terminals a stained glass exhibit previously confined to the international terminal circumvented the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs, which selects the art that adorns Chicago’s public buildings.

Today, Rodriguez said he is trying to find a way to scale back the fine art exhibit to a level the city and the airlines can afford.

“I don’t necessarily believe it’s a terrible idea. We have it in T-5. When you walk through our lower lobby to our baggage area, it’s in need of something…I’d like to do a little something. I just don’t know what percentage we could…afford,” the commissioner said.

Bensenville Loses
 

Judge clears way for O'Hare-area demolition

By Gerry Smith | Chicago Tribune reporter
1:23 PM CDT, August 7, 2008

A DuPage County judge Thursday gave the City of Chicago permission to begin demolition of more than 500 properties in Bensenville that it has purchased to make way for the O'Hare runway expansion.

About 30 families live in the area.

In July, DuPage Circuit Judge Kenneth Popejoy approved a temporary restraining order that halted Chicago's plans to demolish the homes and ordered an environmental study to guard against the release of any hazardous materials during the demolition.

Bensenville officials made a final plea Thursday against demolition.

At a press conference in front of boarded-up houses, Bensenville officials called the project "a runway to nowhere," arguing that the demolition is unnecessary because the city can't afford the project. They also asserted the demolition would spread toxic materials throughout the village.

Bensenville attorney Joseph Karaganis said Tuesday morning they would ask for a continuance of the injunction while they appeal the decision if the judge ruled in Chicago's favor.

Chicago officials have said the construction of a new southern runway at O'Hare is needed to maintain the airport's economic growth.

It remains unclear when Chicago will be able to complete the project. The Daley administration has set a goal of 2014, but the city has failed to win agreement from the major airlines to fund the second phase.

The southern runway that would displace the majority of the Bensenville neighborhood's residents is the final runway in the massive project. In light of the financial pressures on the airline industry, the city may in the future alter its ambitious airfield design, perhaps resulting in the land now being acquired in Bensenville not being needed for runways.

"Why are you going to destroy this beautiful neighborhood when there's never going to be an O'Hare Modernization Program?" asked Bensenville President John C. Geils.

Link - http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/l...,5503091.story

It's not a beautiful neighborhood anymore.

About Time!

Yes, but Bensenville plans to appeal. Time will tell just how far they are willing to go, and how much legal fees they are willing to pay, to halt this demolition.